Jane Theresa Guilfoy

Jane Theresa Guilfoy was born September 7, 1955 and passed peacefully August 14, 2026 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born in San Francisco to John Aloyisius Guilfoy, Jr. and Mary Louise McGuire Guilfoy. She graduated from Drew College Preparatory High School in 1973.

The Guilfoy family owned a cabin along the Russian River in Healdsburg where they enjoyed many summers together. After high school, Jane relocated to Healdsburg where she drove for the local school bus company. She had a great sense of adventure and loved being near the ocean. A few years later, Jane settled in beautiful Big Sur raising her children with her partner Keith Harlan. Eventually, she found herself back in Healdsburg living in a creekside house that would become her forever home.

Jane truly was one of a kind. Her sharp wit and her brilliant sense of humor always shined through. She was passionate about music, often playing her piano and records. She loved late 1960's era music, especially The Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. Jane also was an avid reader. At night, she would spend her time with her nose in a good book or curled up on the couch enjoying a scary movie. She loved nature and could often be found strolling the beautiful creek on her property. Jane spent countless hours caring for her garden which was full of unique art, gorgeous flowers and interesting artifacts.

In her final years, she worked at Alexander Valley School and taught many children to play chess. She gave back to her community by volunteering at the Healdsburg Museum. She was serious about her daily crossword puzzles and was a self proclaimed Scrabble queen.

Jane is survived by her sons, Conor and Keenan Harlan; sisters, Mary Dekker and Martha Brooks; and brother, Daniel Guilfoy; in addition to nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Guilfoy.

Jane would want us to remember her by putting on one of her favorite songs, finding a quiet spot under a tree, raising our glass to the sky and reflecting on a memory we shared with her. Slainte!

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or a local animal shelter on her behalf.

Published in Healdsburg Tribune · August 25, 2026