In Loving Memory of Jane Eva Scheerer Pilcher
July 9, 1925 to June 6, 2022

Jane Pilcher lived an extraordinary life and passed away peacefully in her ocean-view care home in San Juan Capistrano, California, at age 96. Jane enjoyed a 54- year marriage to Clayton James (Jim) Pilcher who preceded her in death.  Born on the Scheerer farm (quite literally) in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Jane was the baby sister to Helen and Ruth, and a twin to her brother Jim who was sadly killed when they were 21 in a small private plane accident.

She graduated from the University of Iowa, and the Hawkeyes remained her lifelong second favorite football team. In 1945, she married C. James Pilcher, a city kid who loved his farm girl and her wide-open spaces. They moved to Ann Arbor, where Jim accepted a job at the University of Michigan, to start their family, and lived to cheer on the Wolverines thereafter.

Jane leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of her five children, Jim (JoAnn), Joel (Martine), John (Sharon), Jerry (Susan), and Jane (Steve) Chronis, as well as one son, Jay, who died in 1956.  Jane is also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Margie, and leaves an everlasting impact on her surviving 16 grandchildren and 17½ great-grandchildren.  

Jane enjoyed her years in Ann Arbor volunteering, mostly with her PEO Chapter DH, Delta Gamma Sorority, The Waterman Alumnae Group, the Michigan League, the Faculty Women’s Club, and First Presbyterian Church. Jane became very close friends with several of the U of M coaches and their wives.  Many of her happiest times were shared with Barb Elliot, Pat Benedict, Betty Lund, and Millie Schembechler. She cherished any opportunity to watch her beloved Wolverines … any sport … any time.

Jane was the mother that everyone wanted.  An open-door policy on Oswego Street, always homemade chocolate chip cookies, hand-jarred jams and jellies from the garden, a remarkable ear for listening to problems, a nonjudgmental attitude, practical advice and hard-earned wisdom, a great respect for the natural world, and an infinite appreciation for the things and people in her life ensured that her children were not spared an ounce of love and generosity. Jane lived a full life of gratitude and service.  If you met Jane Pilcher, you loved Jane Pilcher.

After raising her own children, Jane became the all-time best Grandma. She was there to celebrate every holiday, sporting event, birthday, and special occasion.  She became an iconic hockey fan to JJ, Angie, Joe, and Amy, and proudly wore her Pioneer High School hockey team gear with the name ‘Grandma’ specially embroidered on it. She had boundless energy and enthusiasm and was described by one of her many fans as “a treasure.”

When she moved to Glacier Hills in 2013, she knew most of the residents, instantly made new friends and was soon placed on the welcoming committee. To the surprise of no one, she was also featured in their marketing ads.  

The COVID lockdown necessitated a move to the west coast in 2020. She spent the last two years of her life being warm, happy, outdoors, and loved by so, so many.  Jane Pilcher’s legacy is one of working hard, giving freely of herself, and loving fiercely.  

Suggested donations are to the Waterman Alumnae Group, Ann Arbor Hospice, the Michigan League, and First Presbyterian Church.  We invite all who knew and loved her to a Celebration of Life, which will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.