Jane Lee Johnson passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 24, at her home. She was 84 years old. Those of us who know her are pretty sure she was ready for a new adventure and wanted to meet God.
Jane was a remarkable person with wide-ranging interests who lived life to the fullest and touched many other lives in the process. She was an avid sailor who enjoyed sailing at the Glencoe Boat Club, sailing catamarans off her beach at home and participating in races with the Women’s Sailing Team at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. She loved kayaking and would paddle whenever she had the chance. In her day, she taught cross country skiing and was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Wilmot Mountain on the Illinois/Wisconsin Border. She earned the Ski Patrol’s highest honor, the Purple Star for applying her first aid skills to save a life. Jane was incredibly active and loved pickleball. She was once a figure skater and enjoyed being on the ice until she was in her 80’s. A passionate fan of Hope College Ladies Softball and Volleyball, she would frequently drive to regional and national tournaments.
In addition to her physical activities, Jane loved to read and teach. Early in her career, she taught English in Naperville, Illinois and Fairborn, Ohio. She was a Girl Scout Leader who took her girls on amazing trips. Jane was a lifelong learner, and her interests were many and varied, including traveling to 34 countries on six continents with her husband, Skip.
Jane was a woman of enormous faith and lived her faith through her service to others. Serving on the Outreach Committee at Third Reformed Church, she was passionate about helping the underserved, especially immigrant families. She was a lifetime supporter of the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago and supported Harbor Humane Society after moving to West Michigan. Jane was a member of the League of Women Voters and served on the Holland Area League’s Board for several years. She was on the Voter Service Committee at the time of her death.
A descendant of Holland’s Keppel family, Jane spent summers at her grandfather’s cottage on Lake Michigan. She took great joy in designing a remodel of that cottage and it became her full-time home in 2000.
Jane was born in River Forest, Illinois to Thomas Lee and Vera Jane Kennedy on August 21, 1939. She attended Oak Park High School, then earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. Jane spent 40 years in sales in the Promotional Products industry.
Jane is survived by her husband, Ervin “Skip” Keeter, Children Susan Penland, Steve Johnson (Mary), Lezlee Foy (Peter) and Kevin Keeter (Adelle), Grandchildren Diane Kryszewski and Joe Kryszewski (Jenny) and two Great Grandchildren, Aubrey and Liam Kryszewski.
Her life will be celebrated with services at Third Reformed Church in Holland on August 10, 2024, at 11:00. Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00 am. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Resilience – Advocates for Ending Violence: 422 Butternut Dr., Holland, MI 49424
Harbor Humane Society: 14345 Bagley St., West Olive, MI 49424
Third Reformed Church: 111 W 13th St., Holland, MI 49423
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