May 15, 1936 – July 18, 2023

It is with hearts filled of sorrow and loving memories that we announce the passing of Jane Eagle Cable, at age 87, on July 18, 2023. She went “up the stairs” (as she would say) at her home, at Aljoya on Mercer Island, while surrounded by her daughter, Karen, son John and granddaughter, Lauren Jane.

Jane, lovingly known as “Mouse” to her grandchildren and close relatives was born on May 15, 1936, in Seattle, WA to Doctor John Patrick McVay and Josephine McVay. Jane was a 9th generation American and came from a long line of accomplished members of the military, notoriously 4-star General Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright and Major Robert Powell Page Wainwright. Jane was in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7th, 1941, where her father was stationed as Navy doctor and where he earned a Silver Star for attending to the wounded during the attack. Jane was only 5 but vividly remembers the events.

Jane was a Seattleite through and through. She attended Forest Ridge and Bush High School followed by the University of Washington after declining offers from the most prestigious Ivy league schools to stay close to her father and beloved little sister, Marilyn, after their mother’s death in 1952. Jane was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, the Junior League of Seattle, The Sunset Club (where she was also President), the Seattle P.E.O, and a member of the Swedish Hospital foundation. Jane spent many years raising money for diverse organizations such as the Children’s hospital, Multiple Sclerosis, the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy and many more.

The “UW” is also where she met Blake Eagle, her first husband with whom she had 3 children: John, Karen, and her late son Brian. Life led Jane and Blake in different directions, they divorced and remained best friends their entire lives. Jane remarried, to Donald A Cable, old friends who met 20+ years later, they married in 1999 and knitted their families together tightly. Don’s children Bruce, Neil, and Alison, their spouses as well as the grandchildren became anchors in Jane’s life. Don passed away in 2020, a kinder man one would not know. Jane mourned his loss but stayed closely connected to and supported by Don’s children and grandchildren.

Jane, known affectionately as Mouse, was not a cookie-baking grandmother. She was known to be feisty, smart as a whip and strong headed. Her loyalty, kindness, and embracing of all people knew no bounds. She knew how to throw a great party, mix a perfect extra dirty martini, cook up an epic clam chowder and all were welcome to join. She loved to travel, to dance and to help those less fortunate. She was a loyal and supportive mom and grandma, a devoted sister, and an always there for you friend. Jane lived on Mercer Island for 54 years, where she was a highly accomplished real estate broker and agent and engaged member of the community.

Jane loved her family fiercely and was dedicated to cultivating lasting and deep friendships. She was honest with a strong sense of duty, and her sarcasm and “say it like it is” attitude were her calling card. She liked to hold hands, kiss you on the mouth, and tell you to put your nose to the grindstone in the same breath she would tell you that she loved you and to “rest up already” and take care of yourself.

Janes last 12 years were spent at Aljoya retirement community on Mercer Island. Once again, she was fully engaged; treasurer of the resident council, organizer of weekly bridge games, a regular with the wine group and attending as many conferences and events as her busy social life allowed. She was also the unofficial welcoming committee for new residents and built so many strong friendships along the way.

Jane had deep and precious bonds with her son John, her daughter, Karen, and her grandchildren, Lauren Jane, Janie, and John Cody (all named after her). She visited her daughter and grandchildren in Switzerland frequently and was the first person to teach her grandchildren how to use email so they could stay even more connected through the years.

Jane is survived by her son, John Eagle, her daughter, Karen Zimmermann, her grandchildren, Lauren Jane Zimmermann (Bodhi Clarke), Janie Zimmermann (Agustin Pose), John Zimmermann (Laetizia Barretto), her great-grandchildren, Kelly Jane, Adam Cody, Thomas Eagle, Milo Lucien and Leon, her ex-husband, Blake Eagle, her sister Dorothy and the McKinney family, her brother in law, Bob Richards, Kyra and her nieces and nephews, the Rembe families, Nancy McFadden and the McFadden / Watchie families as well as her step-children Bruce Cable (Jolene Cable and their children Austin and Annika), Neil Cable and Katy and Allison Cable and Alvin. Jane leaves behind so many dear friends, too many to list but you know who you are, and we are grateful for you and your love.

A special thank you to the caregivers at Aljoya, the staff from A Kind Heart, the nurses from Hospice for your kindness, love and care and a special thanks to Starlene, for all of her continued presence, love and assistance over the years.

A celebration of Janes life will be held on December 7th, 2023, at Aljoya; an open house between 4:00 pm 7:00 pm to toast to her, meet with family and friends, remember, laugh, love, and share memories of Jane.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Jane Eagle Cable.

Our family, Seattle and Mercer Island lost a remarkable woman and the magnitude of her contributions to her community, her love of family and friends and her tenacious grit leave a forever imprint on the landscape of our hearts. As Jane would say, “no one really changes, you just become more so”. May her “more so” be everlasting in our hearts.