Jane Karen Elsdon

Our beloved Jane died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the age of 80. Jane was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and moved to Southern California as a young teen. She has lived in Atascadero for the past 45 years. Jane’s greatest treasures in life were her family and friends. A gifted writer, she had over 250 poems, short stories and non-fiction pieces published. As a California Poet in the Schools for fourteen years, she loved teaching people the joy and wonder of poetry, and believed there is a poem inside of everyone. In 2005 she was Poet Laureate of San Luis Obispo. She called poetry “the great healer.” Among Jane’s many published books are “My Mother Died in the Phoenix Fire” and “Pause on the Path.” She was a lifelong supporter of the arts. Jane was a giver, always thinking of others. She was compassionate, kind, creative and caring. She founded three writing groups in SLO County that are still sharing written works today. She never missed an opportunity to support emerging writers. She is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, Gene Elsdon, her daughters Kathy (Jeff) DeCou, Cindy (Robb) Lundskog and grandchildren Lynsey, Joel (Gretchen), Megan, Austin (Elli), Tiffany (Brooks) and Emily, great grandson Jacob, and sister Penny (Nick) Cloo. A memorial service, a celebration of Jane’s life will be held on Friday, April 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of the Roses in Atascadero. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.