Jane Thoma Poort

Jane Thoma Poort, age 79, of Grand Haven passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2017. Jane was born April 6, 1938 in Grand Haven, to the late John “Jack” and Flora (Quigley) Thoma. She graduated from Grand Haven High School and then attended Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan. Jane worked for Grand Haven Area Public Schools as a substitute school teacher for several years, but was best known as "Jane at the Y", having worked at the Grand Haven YMCA front desk for over 30 years. Jane was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as a Stephens Minister and Deacon. She was active in the Church Choir, and also played with the Bell Choir. Jane was an avid exercise fan and spent many hours on her Schwinn Air-Dyne. She loved her dogs, often walking them through Duncan's Woods. Jane also had an extensive collection of “sock monkeys”. Jane is survived by her loving children; Gayle (Tom) Gobis, children AJ and Sam of Prospect Heights, IL, Mike (Britta) Poort, children Spencer and Abigail of Grand Haven, and Scott Poort, children Heather and Heidi of San Diego; brother-in-law, Ron Elenbaas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Judie Elenbaas and one grandchild. The Celebration of Life for Jane will be on Saturday, January 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven, with Pastor Jill VanderWal officiating. Friends may meet the family 1 hour prior to the service, at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Duncan's Woods Fund.