Elizabeth Jane Solberg, 90

Elizabeth Jane Seely Solberg, 90, passed away on June 3, surrounded by her husband, Dick, and her eldest daughter, Jenanne. We can only imagine that her final evening included a spirited game of Jeopardy!, with Jane confidently shouting the correct answers and wondering why the host wasn't giving her proper credit.

Jane was a Montana girl. Born in Helena then spent her early years in Butte, Anaconda, and Ramsay before the family settled in Whitefish when she was twelve. 

Her parents, Brad and Del Seely, founded Glenwood Resort on the south shore of Whitefish Lake. Jane quickly became an accomplished ski racer and earned a spot on the Junior National Ski Team.

While racing at Big Mountain, she met a young skier named Richard "Dick" Solberg. They dated briefly while she was still in high school and then followed him to the University of Montana in Missoula. Now they were outside parental oversight and quickly eloped (yep...that’s what they did 72 years ago!).

While based in Missoula, they raised four children in six years—a major feat to say the least. Jane often joked that she really liked three of them, and the fourth knew exactly who they were (the only Bobcat!).

Jane built an extraordinary life as a speech pathologist/audiologist, ski racer, wife, mother, grandmother, hostess, traveler, and unofficial expert on virtually every subject discussed. She possessed the rare ability to answer your question, correct your facts, and tell you exactly how things should be done.

She traveled and explored much of the world, but her favorite destination was wherever family and friends gathered. Whether at home, on the beach, on a cruise ship, or around a table overflowing with food, Jane knew how to create a party and make everyone feel welcome.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard; her children, Jenanne, Christopher (Sheryl), Christina Corwin (Bill), and Sannan (Angela); her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will forever treasure Grammie's stories; and her brother, John Seely (Marilyn) of Oahu, Hawaii.

Anyone who knew Jane remembers her sharp wit, endless curiosity, fierce determination, and willingness to tell you exactly "what's what." Even at 90 years old, she was still planning one more pontoon boat ride, one more trip to Cabo, or one more plunge in the lake. Slowing down simply wasn't in her skill set.

Jane leaves behind a legacy of generosity, hospitality, and unforgettable memories. In her honor, raise a glass, share a story, and maybe correct someone's trivia answer.

We have no doubt that her beloved granddaughter Claire was first in line to welcome her home—offering a hand up, a warm hug, and perhaps a perfectly chilled cocktail.

Well done, Jane. Well done.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, UM Biological Station, Glacier Symphony, or North Valley Music School.