Jane Elizabeth Josselyn

Jane Elizabeth Josselyn passed away on November 26, 2021 at the age of 79. Her former married name was Criqui. Jane was born in Newfoundland, Canada May 3, 1942 and raised in Anchorage, AK and Portland, OR. She was a 1969 Portland State University graduate. Jane’s greatest gift was her service to others. She was a global citizen, international educator, administrator, and volunteer. She traveled to France with the Girl Scouts in 1960. She was one of the first Peace Corps volunteers, serving in the Ivory Coast (1962-4). Later she worked as a teacher and trainer for new Peace Corps members at the School for International Training in Vermont, and later in Micronesia.

At the Catlin Gabel School (1969-83) she taught French, English, and History and had other roles, including Director of Off-campus Programs. She led a group of upper school students to Montpellier, France for homestay experiences in 1976. She also chaired the annual Rummage Sale for a few years. Jane was involved with the Experiment in International Living during the 1970s and 80s and arranged many homestay placements for international students and adults in the Portland area.

She was Headmistress at the French-American Bilingual School for a year, and later coordinated international enrichment and exchange programs with the Network of Complementary Schools and American Heritage Association. She was also a founding member of the Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst.

In 1988 she began her nearly-20-year adventure in China. She taught English, business, and tourism, and became a full professor at Jilin University of Technology in Changchun. Jane was the first foreigner to receive an “honored Teacher/Worker” certificate at the university. In 1995 she received the “Friendship Award” from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the nation’s highest award for foreigners, the only woman chosen that year. She continued her work with exchange programs and trained incoming foreign instructors at the university and later in Beijing with Council Exchanges China and the Canadian Education Centre Network. In Beijing Jane also worked for a time as a senior consultant for the Chinese State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel, where she facilitated exchange programs and wrote training materials.

In 2007 Jane retired in Portland and volunteered with the Hollywood Senior Center, where she fought for improved senior resources. She spent her final years at Russellville Park Senior Living.

Jane had a strong connection with animals and a passion for travel, diverse cultures, and helping others. She reached people far and wide, teaching and connecting people and families with opportunities to experience other cultures. She was always there with encouragement and true friendship and will be missed.

Jane leaves behind her brother-in-law James O’Dea; sister-in-law Janet Josselyn; niece Elizabeth (O’Dea) Springborn (Andres); nephews John O’Dea (Kim) and Andrew O’Dea (Chau Buu); three great-nephews; and one great-niece. She was predeceased by her parents Jane and Donald Josselyn; brothers Kirk and Gregory Josselyn; and sister Kay Josselyn O’Dea.

Jane will be interred at Rose City Cemetery with her parents. A memorial gathering for family and close friends will be held in the spring. Gifts can be made in memoriam to the Oregon Humane Society https://secure.oregonhumane.org/JaneEJosselyn) or Doctors Without Borders.