Jane Katherine Griggs Magwood

Jane Magwood

Aug. 14, 1942 - May 24, 2025

 

Jane Katherine Magwood (née Griggs) passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at her home in Pasadena, California. She was 82 years old. Jane was born in Pasadena on August 14, 1942 at the Huntington Hospital and lived in the city she loved so deeply all of her life.  

 

A gifted educator, writer, and devoted mother, Jane’s life was defined by her passion for language, her unwavering faith, and her commitment to nurturing both her family and community. Her academic journey led her to earn two master’s degrees—an M.A. in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California and an M.A. in English Literature from California State University at Los Angeles. She went on to share her love of literature and writing as a college English instructor at U.S.C., Cal State L.A., and Los Angeles Valley College. In addition to her work in higher education, Jane dedicated many years to teaching English and writing in the Los Angeles Unified School District, inspiring generations of students with her insight and dedication.

 

Jane was not only a teacher but also a poet and accomplished writer. Her overflowing bookcases were a testament to her love of good literature, while her own creative works including short stories, essays, autobiographical books, a novel, and a screenplay—reflected the depth of her intellect and imagination. Her writing extended into spiritual reflection as well; she explored her personal journey of belief in her book “Journey In Faith.”

 

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Jane raised her children at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena before joining Church of Our Savior in San Gabriel later in life. In recent years, she revisited her Catholic roots through virtual services at Holy Family in South Pasadena. Her spirituality was deeply personal yet generously shared with those around her.

 

Jane’s talents extended beyond the classroom and the page—she had an extraordinary eye for home and garden design. Her yard was always a place of beauty and tranquility, culminating in one of her proudest moments: receiving Pasadena’s Golden Arrow Award for excellence in landscaping.

 

Above all else, Jane cherished her role as a mother. Her children—Nicole, Christopher, and Geoffrey—were the center of her world. She supported them through every twist and turn of life with steadfast love and belief in their potential. Though she raised them as a single parent, she was never alone; Jane was surrounded by lifelong friends whom she met during elementary and middle school—women who remained united for over 70 years—and helped her raise Nicole, Chris and Geoff with enduring love and support. This group of women is a constant reminder to her children about the true meaning of friendship, commitment and support, and they are all fortunate to have forged lifelong friendships of their own. 

 

Her home was always a haven—a warm, welcoming space filled with laughter, conversation, and comfort. Whether hosting Thanksgiving dinners or post-Rose Parade brunches for friends camping out along the parade route, Jane welcomed everyone into her home with a gracious smile, good food and warm embrace. Many of her children's friends continued to visit long after their school days ended, drawn back by the genuine affection and hospitality that defined Jane’s home.

 

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Nicole Moore; sons Geoffrey Moore and Christopher and his wife Rose Moore; grandchildren Dylan and Aynika; step-grandchildren Makenzie and Jacob. Jane was predeceased by her first husband, Donald Moore, the father of her three children. She is also survived by her former husband, Richard Magwood, as well as countless friends whose lives were touched by her wisdom, warmth, and generosity.

 

Jane Katherine Magwood lived a life rich with meaning—a life rooted in faith, creativity, friendship, and unconditional love for her family. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held on July 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Church of Our Savior 535 W. Roses Road in San Gabriel. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Musicares at https://www.musicares.org/ She cared deeply about this organization and the support they provided to her family in a time of dire need.