It is with a heavy heart and a loving embrace that we announce the passing of beloved wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, and mother to all, two-legged and four-legged alike, Jane Frances Shaw.
Jane was born in Bronx, New York, on April 1st, 1941, to Loretta Sofia Spect and Jedediah Flower Shaw. She joined her husband William Van Over, mother Loretta, father Jed, brother Christopher Shaw, several dogs and many horses on September 26th, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Jane was a loving English teacher of 13 years, an avid horse rider, an epic equestrian trainer and judge, world traveler and adventurer, Live performance aficionado, politically minded pun lover, silly jokester, live-experience gift giver, imaginative storyteller, writer and lover of reading.
Saying that Jane loved horses is an understatement. She has worked with and trained over thousands of horses and their riders. She showed and judged in countless horse shows and won awards, trophies and ribbons. In 1984, she founded Thumbs Up Riding Club which helped many youngsters find their way through life through their love of horses. She also worked at the Seoul Korea 1988 Equestrian Olympics. She served over 20 years on the board of directors and the executive board for SFHJA /SCHSA. Her laughter was infectious, and her reach was immeasurable.
As many of us know, Jane loved a good meal and good company. She would often invite friends and family to a warm, yet exciting meal before taking them out on the town to experience a dramatic musical of some kind.
She is survived by stepson Jim VanOver, step grandchildren Jason Emerson VanOver, Jan Eileen VanOver, and Ted Eric VanOver, her “Brother Tad” Shaw and his wife Theresa Shaw, her nieces and nephews from the Shaw family, Gwendlyn, Robert, Jennifer, Christine, Heather, Sara, Brian and Lisa, her great nieces and nephews from the Shaw family Melissa, Collin, Matthew, Michael, Nathaniel, Zane, Amora and Leo. She is also survived by Sando and Jonny and Walker and Mac and Tasha.
On behalf of her family, we would like to express our gratitude and love for Keri Lee and Matt Walsh, their children and to Jane’s entire horse community, neighbors and friends for the love and support that they have given her. We thank you for any gestures of celebration for Jane. By request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood and/or the Seahorse Ranch Rescue.
Jane lived her passions and always paved her own trail. She will forever be an inspiration to all who have been lucky enough to cross her path. When asked how she wanted to be remembered she requested that the following be said about her: “Did she ever figure out when to keep her mouth shut?” and “She loved people, kids, and seeing parents love their kids.”
She will always be remembered in our hearts.
May her soul rest on peaceful saddles.
For info on the celebration of her life, go to janeshaw1941.com.
