Jane M. Nelson was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on Sept. 19, 1924. She was the second born of five girls. Jane grew up in Bergenfield, across the Hudson River from New York City.

In her early years, Jane was a bit of a tomboy, climbing trees and looking out for her sisters.

Jane had three daughters from her first marriage – Jane, Patty and Nancy. Later she married the love of her life Douglas Nelson and had two children together – Eric and Dawn.

Doug and Jane settled on the West Coast and moved to Goleta in 1966, later relocating to Carpinteria in 1989 to retire.

Doug worked offshore, and Jane was left raising their two children and tending to their family business, a horse boarding facility on over 100 acres on the Ellwood Mesa. She handled all of this and more with a smile on her face.

Jane was an expert seamstress and could make anything with a sewing machine. She was a dedicated mom and nana, enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, and sharing meals and walks in Carpinteria. Jane was always smiling and said “hi” to everyone she passed.

She was especially fond of being Nana to her grandchildren Dakota, Chloe and Ty, and welcomed them for many sleepovers in their early years.

Jane often said, “I’m a happy person!” — and she truly was.

Jane died on May 21, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Doug; sisters Ruth, Lillian and Dorothy; and her daughter Jane.

She is survived by her son Eric; daughter Dawn; sister Grace; and daughters Patty and Nancy from her previous marriage. Jane also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild.

Jane had a long, happy life and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18 at McDermott-Crockett Funeral Home chapel, 2020 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Santa Barbara Cemetery.