Anita Jane Colfer

Her mother, Dorothy Jane was a private duty RN and her father, George was a Salesman. Eventually they moved to Houston, Texas which became the home base where she met her first husband, Bob Armbruster and had two daughters, Kelly and Amy. She attended school at St Agnes Academy with her younger sister Martha Ann who passed at the age of 48.

Her college dreams took a detour after the convertible that her father gifted her lost control and flipped multiple times. She emerged unscathed due largely, by her own account, to grabbing St Christopher which was hanging from the rearview mirror. Most who knew her agreed she had a beautiful tone to her voice and that conversations with Jane were always soothing. She loved to sing and was noticed at a Dance competition when she boldly hopped on stage with the band to belt out a tune. Later, she would cut a record at the same studio where Stevie Wonder was recording but the cost of the demo seemed extravagant to her parents, so her record wasn’t released.

Eventually, Jane married her second husband, William Colfer, her high school sweetheart. They shared many years together and the extended family was something Jane and her children treasured and still treasure immensely.

Jane spent 15 years of her professional career in the legal field at a prestigious law firm. The friendships she cultivated while at Brown Parker & Leahy held a significance beyond professional ties. Dallas Parker and his family bestowed upon her the moniker, “St. Jane”.

Her greatest love was that of family, friends, Christmas, and cookies—not necessarily in that order. She was passionate about music and crafts. She and Bob loved to compete in Dance competitions and were founders of The Houston Whip club. Music and dance remained a passion of hers throughout her life and would later bring her together with her former dance competitor affectionately known as “Crabtree”. They remained life partners in Grand Prairie Tx until his passing in 2019. She moved back to Houston and recently reconnected with her first husband Bob Armbruster after 47 years. As they caught up over dinner, she asked him "What took you so long?" to which he replied, "I didn't want to seem too eager." They remained inseparable for the last few months of her life expecting to beat all odds, take a few trips and continue to laugh together.

Her first major stroke occurred last year and those who knew and loved her were grateful for the extra time with her. Many marveled at her fierce dedication to making a full recovery. At the age of 81, the brave angel succumbed to a secondary stroke that would have her join her mother, father, sister, and many other great loves in her life all gone too soon.

Family and friends will never be the same without her presence in this world but she is smiling down hoping that we all remain constant in our love, and always lead with kindness and compassion.

One of her favorite holiday traditions was to have everyone gather while she read “A cup of Christmas Tea”. I hope you will take a moment to read and share in her most treasured holiday tradition.

She is survived by daughters Kelly Armbruster, Amy Mathis and two granddaughters Kasey Huddleston and Cameron Mathis, nephew Chris Woodson and niece Andrea Woodson Kelleher. The extended family of Clarie Binder, Bill Colfer Jr, Cullen Colfer, Myranda Colfer Carrizales ,Jack Binder, Ava Binder, Quinn Binder, Kayla Colfer Mason, Justin Colfer, Haley Colfer, Mary Calkins, Cathy, Al and Patrick Nixon, Susan Calkins Loth, Kelly Calkins Eckhardt, and their respective children, Shan Egliskis and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Hospice.

A visitation for Anita will be held Friday, August 18, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. A funeral service will follow starting at 10:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the Colfer family.