Jane Carole (Kramer) Gorbet
Jane was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on February 11, 1942, the only child of Max and Lillian Kramer and grew up on her father’s dairy farm in South Weymouth. Her father Max was a longtime crossing guard for Monroe elementary school. She graduated from Quincy High School and went on to earn a degree in early childhood education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
After teaching elementary school for two years in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Jane joined the Department of Defense education system and accepted an overseas assignment in the Philippines. A year later, she was transferred to Naples, Italy, where her life took a fateful turn.
During her first year in Naples, Jane met her future husband, Dave, at a dinner party overlooking the Bay of Naples on the eve of the Feast of San Gennaro. There were fireworks in the sky and, as she would later say, a little magic in the air. Dave was a young naval officer stationed at a NATO base in Naples. They were married the following summer in Hull, Massachusetts, and returned to Naples for another year.
After completing their respective service commitments, Jane and Dave traveled extensively throughout Southern Europe before returning to the United States. Dave promised Jane a good life in Santa Barbara—and she would later thank him many times for “dragging her” there.
In Santa Barbara, Jane raised her two sons and built a wide and lasting circle of friends. After volunteering at Planned Parenthood, she joined the staff and spent many years teaching women’s health; work she found deeply meaningful.
Jane formed lifelong friendships through her involvement with Starr King Preschool and remained active throughout her life, enjoying Jazzercise and Zumba. Her love of community extended internationally through the Santa Barbara Sister City programs, where she made dear friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Dingle, Ireland. She was also a member of the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club and an avid reader of historical fiction, participating in several book clubs over the years.
Jane had a gift for creating beauty and connection in everyday life. She loved gardening, antiques, and opening her lovely home to friends and strangers alike. She was known for hosting many memorable parties over the years.
Above all, Jane was truly one of a kind—full of energy and spirit. She had a natural gift for bringing people together and a presence that lit up any room. She combined style, intelligence, humor, and genuine kindness in her own unique way. She leaves behind a community of friends whose lives are richer for having known her.
Jane is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dave; her two sons, Scot (Dory) of Nederland, Colorado and Brad (Clarisa) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and the great joys of her life, her grandson Santiago and granddaughter Delfina.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be held in late May.
