Leaving music in her wake, Jane Hasley Dolton left this life for the next on Nov. 20, 2023. She called death a "graduation day," and saw it as a beginning, not an ending. Toss your cap high, o proud 91-year- old alumna!

The day brought however, an ending to Jane's long and valiant struggle with dementia. Recent years saw the disease rob her memories, language, and physical strength, but dementia never stole her good nature or the creative spark she had in abundance: a musical gift.

Born July 15, 1932 in Detroit to Dr. Clyde and Helen Hasley, Jane began playing piano at age six and sung in multiple choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church there. She continued both musical pursuits outside of her studies in California, first at Scripps College, and finishing her bachelor's degree in international relations in 1954 at nearby Pomona College.

She married Gordon L. Dolton during college, and began her life as a homemaker and wife of a petroleum geologist. The oil business took the couple to various spots in the West, but the family lived longest in Boulder, Colorado, which Jane loved best. She continued playing piano, teaching piano, singing and playing in churches, and composing music through all the moves. Original Christmas carols found their way into cards; solos were written for Colorado University students earning advanced vocal degrees.

Jane's other passions included the family's many Dalmatian dogs, and summers spent at the family cabins on Douglas Lake in Northern Michigan. An expert swimmer, the unsinkable Jane taught many to stay afloat. She didn't even have to be wet to enjoy the water. She loved to fish -- often, and usually with good success.

Gordon Dolton's ill health forced the couple to move from Boulder to Grand Rapids, Michigan to be close to family. Gordon died in Grand Rapids in 2014, and the early signs of Jane's dementia were already showing. Jane moved to an assisted living facility early in 2020, living there until her death. A spinet piano moved with her, and she could carry a tune until the very end.

In addition to her husband, Jane was predeceased by her brother, Rhys. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, John and Sharon Dolton of Traverse City, and by a daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Gary Blaskowski of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are two granddaughters and their husbands: Lisa (Chris) Anderson, of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and Amy (Andrew Craig) Blaskowski, of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jane had no desire for a memorial service or headstone, but wanted her ashes to be scattered.

If you feel inclined, please donate in her name to the cause of your choice. Jane was generous with her talents and resources, and gave with a song in her heart.