Jane W. Cassady

Jane W. Cassady passed away on May 21, 2011. She was born on March 5, 1921 to Dr. and Mrs. John Homer Woolsey in San Francisco, Calif. After completing seventh grade in San Francisco, the family moved to Woodland, Calif., where Jane attended the local schools for eighth grade through high school. After graduation from Woodland High School, Jane went to Pomona College for two years and then to the University of California at Berkeley for one year. After marriage and having her family she completed her education at Chico State, where she received her teaching credential. Jane had a very strong interest in reading, which she enjoyed for her own pleasure and then carried it to another level by teaching as a reading specialist for seven years at Etna Elementary School. In total she taught 20 years in Etna with grades kindergarten through third. It was not unusual for Jane to be out in public and have people walk up to her and say, “You were my kindergarten teacher and taught me how to read.” In addition to teaching, Jane always loved horses. She rode as a young girl with her father and progressed to riding in events and winning many competitions, including doing endurance rides of 100 miles over two days from Merced to Mariposa. Teaching others to ride as a horsemanship leader in 4-H for four to five years was something she also enjoyed. While in college she worked for the Western Horseman Magazine from 1942-1943. Over the years she developed a system of keeping track of placing of horses in the various events in competition with a secretarial business. She worked as a secretary of the horse shows at the Siskiyou County Fair from the 1970s to the 1990s. She was also a secretary to the State of Jefferson Club and its shows from the 1970s to 1983, and she was a part-time secretary to the Scott Valley Roping Club from 1965-1983. The secretarial business she developed was done full-time from 1983-1995, with travel all over California and also to other states occasionally. She is survived by her five children: Wendy Wilson, Mike Cassady, Janness Johnson, Pat Cassady and Mary Dorgan. She also had 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John H. Woolsey Jr., DVM, of Santa Rosa. Jane requested no services and desires to be remembered by friends and family as a person dedicated to being a good mother, teacher and friend. Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice. She will be missed by her family and many friends. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Jane W. Cassady

March 5, 1921 - May 21, 2011