Monica Smith
I met Jane in about 1980 or so. We would see each other sporadically since I moved away in 1985. We had been out of touch for the last several years. I had been thinking of her on and off in recent times. Wanting to get in touch. Looking forward to perhaps retiring in the future to the Northwest where she would be certain to continue to visit her family and friends, and we might be able to hang out a bit again at such times. Jane was a real friend to people. She was quite kind and supportive, in a very practical and helpful manner. She was there for people if one wanted her to be. She helped get me through my mother's death by letting me spend that first Christmas after my mom died at hers and Pete's house in Hawaii. So I could really get away during that time. She went to Egypt with me on another occasion. No ordinary trip. Jane followed her dreams in life, even though it meant risks and sacrifices. But, Jane always landed on her feet because she was so smart and so efficient that she could pull most anything off, and do it really well. She was not afraid of life. She was one of the most pragmatic people I ever knew. She just got on with what she wanted to do, rolled up the proverbial sleeves and overcame, or skirted, whatever obstacles appeared. She did not shy from adventures, but she welcomed them, yet always remained very grounded. She was true to herself. She was a prized rhododendron for all her knew her. My heartfelt condolences to her family, Pete, Dan, and her brothers, who have lost Jane's very formidable presence in their lives.