Celebrating the Life of Jane W. Dyer

Jane Alice Weeden Dyer, 93, passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2024, in Baltimore, MD.

She was born on October 4, 1931, to Alvin and Iva Weeden in Cranston, RI. She had an older sister, Iva, and a younger sister, Nancy.

She received her undergraduate degree from Smith College and master’s degrees from Wesleyan University and Loyola University Maryland. Her first job, teaching French and Latin at St. Margaret’s School in Waterbury, CT, launched her 68-year career as an educator.

She taught at many Baltimore-area schools, including The Bryn Mawr School, Oldfields School, Calvert Hall College High School, Friends School, and St. Paul’s School for Girls.

Her first trip to France as a Fulbright fellow in 1952 sparked her passion for travel. At Oldfields, she developed a month-long educational trip to France for her seniors. She insisted the 17-year-olds pack lightly so they’d be able to run two blocks to catch the bus — or to catch up with her.

She met future husband Martin A. Dyer playing recorder in a Renaissance music group. They married in 1962 in Rhode Island to avoid Maryland’s anti-miscegenation law. They went on to have two daughters, Jennifer and Mya.

For their entire married life, they lived in the Windsor Hills neighborhood in West Baltimore, where many of their neighbors became lifelong friends. They were among the first minorities to move into the city’s first integrated neighborhood.

Jane and Martin were foodies and gourmet chefs with a catering business. They often entertained friends at home, making every occasion beautiful and special. They were known for their lavish New Year’s parties.

They were devoted and far-ranging art lovers — film, arts and crafts, textile arts, antiques, music, theater, and more — and developed close friendships with several local artists.

Even when she retired, Jane continued to branch out and make new and lasting connections. Her social organization, the Northeasterners, became like a family — she cherished her close relationships with her sisters.

She was also a member of the Hamilton Street Club and would invite friends for lunch at the monthly French Table.

Always festive throughout the year, she was known for gift- and card-giving for all occasions. She decorated for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter. At Halloween, trick-or-treaters were so excited when she would answer the door — wearing her customary witch’s hat and full-length cloak — and exclaim about their costumes.

Jane enjoyed being surrounded by friends, family — including her kitties Chico and Shortie — and her beloved toy stuffed animals.

She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and sisters Iva Smith of Reading, PA, and Nancy Martin of Providence, RI. Survivors include daughters Jennifer Dyer (Tracy Stott) of Baltimore, MD, and Mya Starling (Eric Meyers) of Madison, WI; adopted cousin-in-law Reginald Todd (Saralee) of Silver Spring, MD; sister-in-law Alma Lawson of Baltimore, MD; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, you might consider a donation toward family expenses to close out her affairs.

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