Jane Elizabeth Clow, age 88, a woman of enduring grace, beauty and intelligence, died peacefully on October 26, 2024 surrounded by her family.  Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 8, 1936, she was the oldest child of Harold Gustav and Carol Elizabeth Mangelsdorf.  Soon after starting high school, her family moved to Short Hills, New Jersey where Jane graduated from Millburn High School in 1954.  It was through her gift for music and her accompaniment of school musicals that Jane caught the attention of her classmate Stanley (Pete) Clow.   The romance that began in high school blossomed during their college years despite attending schools in different states.  Pete and Jane graduated from college in 1958.  Jane received a Bachelor of Science degree from Smith College.  They were married on August 23, 1958.

Pete's career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company took them to the Midwest.  Jane initially worked in a research lab for a pediatric oncologist but with frequent corporate moves and the arrival of four daughters in seven years, she poured all her energy into creating a stable and vibrant home for her family.  Jane excelled in and brought a particular flair to the traditional domestic arts.  She loved to research and expand her talents as a pianist, seamstress, gardener, and cook.  She read extensively and enjoyed lively conversation on a variety of topics.  Her eye for detail and design was reflected in the way she decorated each home, made exquisite clothes for herself and her daughters and hosted beautiful parties for family and friends.

With Pete and Jane's relocation to Mendham, NJ in 1978 and the transition of her daughters to college, Jane dedicated her creative energies into fundraising events and development for the Summit Speech School, The Morris Museum, Morristown Memorial Hospital and St. John on the Mountain Episcopal Church.  She held leadership positions for numerous galas, juried art shows and the Mansion in May.  She served as President of the Women's Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital from 1989-1991.

In 2002, Pete and Jane selected Wilmington, NC and, specifically, the Landfall community for their retirement.  They attended lectures at UNC Wilmington and Live from the Met opera performances with dear friends.  Jane poured her energies into the Master Gardener program, the local P.E.O. chapter, two book clubs and her own gardens.  The highlight of their retirement years were the many wonderful friendships they made and celebrated.  When Pete died in 2022, Jane relocated to Denver, Colorado near her oldest daughter.

Jane is survived by her sister, Ann Soderquist, three of her daughters, Jennifer (Kevin Allen), Kathryn (Chris Eddy), and Allison (Chris Thompson), six grandchildren, Mark Allen (Lauren), Kelly Duncanson (Caleb), Leigh Monterac (Jorey), Connor Eddy, Mackenzie Eddy and Sienna Thompson, one great-grandchild, Carvis Duncanson, sister-in-law, Grazina Mangelsdorf, two nephews and three nieces and their families.  In addition to her parents and husband, Jane was predeceased by her brother, David Mangelsdorf, and her youngest daughter, Kristin (Kerry Gower).

The family thanks the caregivers of Cherry Hills Assisted Living and Memory Care for their tender care of Jane.

A memorial service in Wilmington, NC will be arranged.

Memorial gifts are not necessary or expected, however gifts in her name to the Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum and The Frank H. Kenan Chapel , both in Wilmington, are appreciated.