News

Jayne Ann Willett PhD, ATC, 62, passed away from a sudden illness on December 13, 2016 at her winter home in La Ventana, Baja, Mexico. Jayne was born July 4, 1954 in Sacramento, California, daughter of Paul Willett and Patricia King Kenyon.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 19 years, Keith Casey, her father, Paul Willett (Carol), brother Steve Willett (Brenda), nieces Allison and Meredith, nephew Eric, grandniece Rilee, mother-in-law Frances Casey, brother-in-law Michael Casey (Martha), aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her mother, Pat Kenyon and stepfather, Grant Kenyon.

Jayne graduated from Kennedy High School in 1972. Her education included an Associate Arts Degree from Napa College, a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from California State University, Sacramento in Physical Education, and a Doctorate from the University of California, Davis in Physiology/Neurophysiology. Jayne’s work experience included service as an Athletic Trainer at CK McClatchy High School and Sacramento City College. She was a swim teacher and coach at Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. She began teaching at California State University, Sacramento in 1984 and taught a variety of courses in the Kinesiology and Health Science Department. She was active as a clinical instructor and served as program coordinator for the aerobic program, the pre-therapy program, and the graduate program.

Jayne retired from California State University, Sacramento in 2009 following 25 years of service. She was granted Emeritus Faculty Status and continued to teach part time. She is remembered for her academic brilliance and outstanding teaching in both the classroom and the clinic.

Jayne was an accomplished athlete in many sports. She swam competitively in high school and junior college, competed in triathlons and was a daily swimmer and runner for many years. She was most passionate for wind sports including sailing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Jayne and Keith travelled the world and enjoyed sightseeing, hiking, and wind sports. They recently returned from South Africa where Jayne fulfilled a lifelong dream of going on safari. They built a beautiful beachfront home in La Ventana, Baja, Mexico so they could enjoy wind sports, swimming and recently, pickleball during the winter months. During the summer, they kept a motorhome at Sherman Island in the Sacramento Delta where she enjoyed her daily kiteboarding and when in Sacramento, played pickleball with various groups. Jayne was an integral part of the windsurfing/ kiteboarding communities in La Ventana and the Delta and will be truly missed by these close groups of friends.

Jayne lived in Campus Commons for 30 years and was a member of Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. She was a true animal lover and will be missed by her cat, Blue. She enjoyed designing and working in her beautiful gardens in Campus Commons and La Ventana. She was a very kind, strong, energetic, beautiful, and positive person who inspired many and will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January, 7, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Campus Commons Club House, 650 Commons Drive, Sacramento, California 95825.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to: Sacramento SPCA, Development Department, 6201 Florin Perkins Road, Sacramento, CA 95825 (sspca.org, Memorial Giving)