Jane Nash

Jane Higgins Nash, recently widowed wife of William P. Nash, Jr., has died unexpectantly from a brain hemorrhage on Sept. 30, 2011 at age 83. Jane, the only child of Decatur Higgins and Mabel Green Higgins was a loving, caring, devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Jane was born in Visalia on December 19, 1927 and enjoyed her early youth on North Willis St. in the company of friends and families of "old Visalia". She was adored by her parents, particularly her father, and was always to be Daddy's Girl. Visalia was her playground and a wonderful community in which to grow. Elementary years at Highland School, then Visalia Union High, and onto Holmby College in Los Angeles prior to finishing her college education at UCLA. with a degree in Art History. While at UCLA, she joined the Alpha Phi sorority and served as house president her senior year.

Jane’s love of art, architecture and landscape gardening stayed with her throughout her entire life. Sunset magazine, House Beautiful and Better Homes & Garden magazines were always on the coffee table. She was also blessed with a flair for flower arranging and her greatest pleasure came from gardening in her yard.

Her sense of style with fashion remained unchanged throughout her life: gloves, a hat, and/or a scarf were part of most every outfit. She was schooled on appropriate "Emily Post" conduct for young women by her mother. Jane gifted her sons and grandchildren with these "wisdoms" during their upbringing.

Jane Higgins and Bill Nash, Jr. married Aug. 23, 1950 and began a 60 year partnership of love and respect, fun, family and world travel. Their togetherness fostered two sons: David (1951) and Richard (1955). Jane was the ideal 1950's and 60's mom: P.T.A., Cub Scouts den mother, Indian Guide, Little League, Y Summer Camp, etc. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed entertaining and hosting others in their home.

Jane was also an astute businesswoman. Her parents left her numerous properties, which she and Bill later developed. Later on, after her boys had grown, Jane’s love of architecture and interior design propelled her into the residential real estate business. Her love of Visalia and helping others find the perfect home was a great combination that led to a wonderful career for over 20 years.

Jane’s lifetime love affair with Visalia fostered an ongoing passion for historical preservation and she was an active member of the Visalia Heritage. Jane was also recognized as a noted historian. Civic minded, Jane was a member of many organizations including P.E.O. sisterhood, Panhellenic, and the Las Madrinas Guild. Jane was involved with many charities and provided financial support to many organizations.

Jane was a lifelong member of the Visalia First Presbyterian Church. Always making sacrifices for others, Jane’s Christian faith was best demonstrated through her loving heart, giving nature, and daily prayers said for family, friends, community and country.

Jane was surrounded by her family when she departed this life to join her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She now resides again with her husband Bill and all of her family and friends that passed on before her. Mourning her loss, she leaves behind sons David and Richard, daughters-in-law Morri and Barbara, grandchildren Lindsay and husband Jeff Schuil, Piper, and Taylor, and sister-in- law Marilyn Hadley and her loving family.

The family will hold a private service. On Friday, November 11th at 11:30 am there will be a “Celebration of Life” reception held at the Visalia Country Club in Jane’s honor. It is the family’s hope that everyone that knew Jane would come and share with us at that time. Lastly, the family requests that any donations in Jane’s memory be made to the Visalia Heritage Inc., PO Box 216, Visalia, CA 93279

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