Obituary

Jane was born in Seattle and grew up in Edmonds. Upon graduation from Edmonds High School in 1952, she began studies at Western Washington College of Education. She met her husband, Leo McIntee standing in line to buy textbooks for their first Chemistry class, and they married two years later, on September 10, 1954. She graduated from Western with B.A. Ed., having majored in botany, and trained to be a biology teacher. Gardening was a life-long passion; she was a “plant-whisperer” who was still planting and caring for her plant babies this spring. There is a unique bush cherry tomato she cultivated, whose seeds she shared far and wide.

The greatest joy of Jane’s life was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her children remember her most for so many things: gorgeous handwriting, homemade greeting cards, homemade bread, Christmas cookies and candies, sewing matching Christmas PJs, filling the basement “fruit room” with home canned fruit from the three fruit trees in the yard, and family camping trips. Most importantly, her children were supremely blessed to witness a healthy, 65 yearlong marriage between their parents who faithfully, affectionately loved each other.

Jane was active in a number of organizations in Ephrata, Washington, where she spent her child-rearing years: League of Women Voters, AAUW, Camp Fire Girls (group leader), and First Presbyterian Church of Ephrata (where she served in a number of leadership roles including deacon, prayer team and Bible study leader).

In her empty-nest season, Jane and Leo moved to Bow, Washington, where they designed and built their own home. They spent 20 sweet years there, Jane making it the perfect grand-kid destination.

Jane is remembered for being the consummate optimist, ever patient and gracious, super organized, a life-long learner who kept abreast of everything, from world events, to each of her grandkids’ worlds, on social media. Jane could make anyone feel safe and comfortable and people would frequently share their life story with her upon first acquaintance. Even when her kids were teens, her house is where everyone wanted to hang out.

Jane loved and enjoyed the beauty of nature and was passionate about caring for the environment. She and Leo instituted the first Earth-Day celebration in Ephrata in 1970. Jane also loved dark chocolate, artisan cheeses and good cooking, which her family kept her in endless supply. She loved hummingbirds and created a heated feeder to feed them year around, year in and year out.

She had a vibrant faith in God that became stronger and stronger as her body became increasingly frail. She said beautiful graces before meals, and the family was always quick to volunteer grandma, no matter whose table she sat at.

Jane was predeceased by her husband Leo (2020) and brother Jon Speck. She is survived by her children Shonnie (John) Scott, Tom (Trisha) McIntee, and Dan (Michelle) McIntee; and grandchildren Catriona Scott, Blair Scott, Reese McIntee, Dawson McIntee, Christine McIntee, Ashley Felton, Chris Crawford, Matt Crawford, and Josh Crawford, plus 5 great-grandchildren.

The family extends their immense appreciation for Whatcom Hospice and Hospice House, where Jane was blessed to spend her last five days.

Remembrances may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held for family and friends.