Western Washington University

08/31/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/31/2026 11:21

In Memoriam: Jane T. Verner

In Memoriam: Jane T. Verner

August 31, 2026

Jane Verner

Jane Verner, longtime faculty member at Western Washington University and Whatcom County philanthropist, died August 25 at her home after a brave battle with cancer. She was 79.

She received her undergraduate degree from New York University and her master's degree from the University of Toronto.

Born in Toronto, Jane maintained her Canadian citizenship until her early seventies, when she also became an American citizen, deciding to be part of the change she wanted to see in her adopted country. She proudly voted in every national and local election until her death.

Early in her career, she served as the deputy city manager for North Miami, Floria., and then as assistant and interim county manager of Pima County, Arizona. Jane joined the Human Services program at Western in 1991, serving not only as an instructor but a mentor to many students on their educational and professional journeys. She retired in 2011.

Jane was a human organizational and services scholar; a life-changing advisor to legions of students; a deep thinker unafraid to share her perspective and thoughts on almost any topic; an expert grant writer; a special friend to many; an unforgettable character to all who knew her; and a gourmet with an especial love of dessert.

An avid theater fan, Jane served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Mount Baker Theater. You could often find Jane in the front row of the loge, her favorite perch, watching the many performances there. She supported the arts with donations of time, money and mentorship to their staff.

Her generosity extended to Western Washington University with the implementation of the Jane Verner Nursing Scholarship and to Peace Health St. Joseph's Medical Center Foundation, among several other local charities.

Jane is survived by her sister Margaret in Toronto as well as nieces in Paris and Toronto, along with the many friends she made in her 22 years as a Bellingham resident.

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