Help us say goodbye to Momma Jane

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Janie Kathleen Keefe-Gregory, of San Pablo on Friday, July 26th. She was 72 years old.

We have created this fundraising page to honor her memory, share stories, and give people a way to support the family.

Remembering Janie's Life

Raised in Toledo, Ohio, Janie moved with her parents and siblings to California in 1971 and spent most of her adult life in the East Bay.

In 1979, she married James Gordon Gregory, of Fort Jones, CA (1950-1983). Together they had 3 children, Melissa, Katie, and James. In 2022 Janie became grandmother to Declan, who has brought much joy and laughter to her life.

As the 3rd of 13 “Keefe Kids”, Janie was a natural care-giver. She looked after her younger siblings as they grew up, earning her the nickname, “Momma Jane”.

Janie worked many varied jobs before she settled into marrid life. She worked as a waitress and CNA. She volunteered in mobile kitchens to support firefighters working firelines. She also took joy in assisting her parents, Chuck and Jackie Keefe, with bingo nights and lunch service at Salesian High School.

Sadly, after only 4 years of marriage, Janie was unexpectedly widowed at the age of 31 when he husband, James passed away suddenly. From then on she put work aside and focused on her children. Being a stay-at-home mom allowed her to babysit many of her nieces, nephews, and kids from the neighborhood.

Most days she could be found with a giant cup of coffee, either playing a puzzle game or reading one of her romance novels. She loved mysteries and crime stories and never missed and episode of Criminal Minds. She was a fan of country music, with Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson being among her favorites. She was a die-hard Niners fans, from Montana and Rice, all the way to Prudy and Kittle.

Janie's wishes are that instead of flowers, tributes be made as donations to support her family.

How Donations will be Spent

Final expenses - Janie had no life insurance in place at the time of her passing. Her family needs help to cover the additional cost of her final services. This includes cremation, urn, and a headstone for her resting place with our father.

Medical Bills- Janie had been in and out of medical facilities for the last several months and the costs have grown and grown. Janies savings has been fully exhausted and the bills continue to mount.

Recouping lost wages - Janie's many doctors’ appointments, consults, and hospital stays required her daughter, Katie, to take time from work to transport her and see she recieved the best of care. This time away from work was unpaid and has impacted the household budget as well as savings and benefit plans.

“Inheritance” - If funds are raised to cover all the previously listed items, any additional donations will be divided equally between Janie's children and treated as an inheritance, in keeping with Janie's wishes.