Jane H. Rule

She commented many times during her later years, as she battled and beat cancer over the course of two decades, that the true light in her life were her 8 grandchildren, Ryan, Garrett, Nicholas, Austin, Natalie, Jake, Alec and Brooke, and her 3 children, John, Michael and Michelle. Never was there a personal sacrifice too great, nor any obstacle too large, when it came to her grandchildren and children. She gave and gave and gave. The grandkids all called her Nana. Nana cooked, Nana babysat, Nana cooked, Nana played, Nana cooked, Nana sewed, Nana cooked, Nana did their laundry, and on and on and on. And then Nana cooked some more.

Born May 11, 1938 in Hsin Chu, Taiwan, Jane (or Chen, in Taiwan) was the oldest of 6 children and was forced to grow up quickly in a war-ravaged and enemy-occupied country. Resourcefulness, responsibility and resolve became second nature to Jane at a very early age. As a very private and humble person, she was reluctant to tell personal stories, but when pressed, would occasionally recount certain memories of air-raid sirens, bomb shelters and huddling over her baby brothers and sister until the all-clear horn sounded.

As a young woman, the war now over, Jane met and eventually married her husband George, an American sailor based in Taiwan. They moved to America and the life of a foreign military wife commenced, bringing with it a new language, a new culture and a new move every 18-24 months. John was born in Illinois, Michael in Georgia and Michelle in Northern California. Along the way, there were stops in National City, Guam and Hawaii, before settling in Chula Vista in 1977.

As a mother, Jane believed in instilling strong values in her children, but always with a soft hand. She believed in raising kids through encouragement and love rather than scolding and punishment. She often relayed to her children a Taiwanese saying that translated loosely to, "You catch more bees with Honey than with Vinegar."

She was a devoted daughter and sister. She cherished her Taiwan family and, despite distance, maintained a close relationship with her mother, sister and four brothers.

Jane was also a great friend to many. Her giving, selfless nature was always evident whenever a friend was in need. And yes, there was usually a lot of cooking involved. She also enjoyed her gardening and her knitting. She loved to sew and, of course, she loved to cook and bake.

A truly wonderful person, a devoted and loving mother and an unparalleled, gracious and loving Nana, Jane Hsu Rule touched many and will live on in the happy, positive thoughts and memories of all who had the good fortune to have her in their lives.