Jane Rose Jordan

Jane Rose Jordan, 101, of Brentwood, CA passed away February 6, 2015 after suffering a heart attack. Jane was born Joanna Rosa Mercurio June 24, 1913 in Pittsburg, CA to Gaetano and Rosalia Mercurio. Jane was the 4th of 5 children (Mae Mercurio Stevenson, Mary Mercurio Snavely, Katie Mercurio Perry, and Frank Mercurio). At the age of 5 her family moved to Monterey. Jane was known around town as an accomplished dancer. At the age of 11 ½ she won a dance contest and her prize was a hand painted portrait of herself. Jane completed high school in Monterey and began employment at The Golden State Theatre at the age of 15, first as an usherette and then was promoted to cashier. Jane was featured in the local paper during her employment at the theater for refusing to leave the box office during a fire, as she was protecting the money. In 1930, at the age of 17, Jane was named Miss J.C. Penney. It was in Monterey that she would meet Doyle Jordan. They became engaged in 1937 and on December 4, 1939 they married in Reno, NV. It was about a year later that they relocated to Oakland, CA. In the early part of 1943 when Doyle was drafted, Jane took another job as the first and only woman manager at the Eastmont Movie Theatre. Jane continued her career in Oakland where she worked at both the Fruitvale and Fairfax theatres. Jane would eventually change career paths and with Doyle became part owners of Commercial Food Equipment Company in Oakland, CA. In July of 1947 Jane welcomed her only child, Janelle. Jane spent the next many years raising her daughter, traveling the world, hosting great parties (she loved to entertain), and dancing every chance she got. Jane's greatest joy was her family. She cherished her husband, daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews. She always made sure everyone was well cared for. Jane lived in Oakland in her home of 52 years until this past October when she relocated to Brentwood, Ca to be closer to her family. She resided at Cortona Park where she could be found dancing as she walked down the hall, during happy hour on Friday's and during music hour with Michael on Sunday's. Jane was an inspiration to everyone that came to know her, her smile and laugh were contagious, and she lived and loved life to the fullest. Jane is survived by her daughter Janelle Jordan, grandchildren Michelle Slate (Ron), Brian Doak (Emily), Great-Grandchildren Emily Slate, Zachary Slate, and Xander Doak, and nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Doyle H. Jordan (May 2000)