As I’m sure is the case with all of you, I often think of Jane since her passing. I just thought I’d share a couple of examples. In September, my husband, Tom, and I went on a 3 1/2 week road trip out west. Driving through the scenic routes and hiking in Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona made me think of Jane’s love of nature and her quest to “seek wonder.” We enjoyed so much of the wonder this country has to offer. When we returned from the road trip, it was the week of Jane’s (21st) and my (26th) birthday, so of course I thought of her again. (Side note: we were in Ecuador together during our birthday week in 2014.) And then most recently, I went on a 6 mile hike with a friend on one of the James River trails. Jane and I had done a similar hike together. I still struggle with regrets of not staying in closer touch with her the last 10 years or so. I never got to see her beautiful Cape Charles home (the house and the town). I plan to visit the town and will no doubt feel her presence. 

P.S. Thank you, Bee, for the sweet note. I don’t have your contact info but wanted you to know how much I appreciated it. 

Dear fiends of my sister Jane,

This is not a story about Jane, it is a thank you to all her amazingly loyal, loving friends.

Thank you for loving my sister.

Thank you for appreciating her individuality.

Thank you for recognizing and supporting her passions.

Thank you for going to her parties and having fun with her.

Thank you for surrounding her with friendship and happiness.

Thank you for valuing and sharing her memories with us, each other.

Thank you the heartfelt condolences you sent to our family.

Thank you for attending our memorial in Richmond.

Thank you for organizing your own memorial in Cape Charles. My heart and my mom's heart were with you, but we just couldn't be there in person. It was too much for us to do. I'm sorry.

Thank you for planting  a garden in her honor in Central Park. I understand it includes many plants from Jane's yard, how dear for you to create  a garden to care for and nurture as she would have done.

Thank you for your patience as I remain inward and too sad to return to Cape Charles so soon. I wrestle with unanswerable questions and a deep longing to see Jane again. But I will return and see her friends and see Mickey again (my parents really miss his visits). I will give each of you a big hug and tell you once again, thank you for loving my sister Jane.

She was my best friend all my life.

In love and appreciation,

Bee

Jane was  so much fun and always up for an adventure.  I worked with her at the Federal Reserve and was privileged to have her as a friend.  Bob, Jane and I once closed down Joe’s Inn just chatting and hanging out (and maybe having some drinks !).

I last met up with Jane in late 2023 when she was visiting Richmond. We walked to the river (where she identified so many plants) and also took a yoga class.  It was a perfect visit. 

Jane was an original and I cherish our friendship. 

Jane and I enjoyed a trip to New Orleans in 2015 just after the ten year anniversary of Katrina. Since we both worked for Habitat, it was a trip to rediscover the city coming back from the edge.

We did the Grand Tour, including visiting the memorials, but to fully enjoy our time there we also undertook a voodoo walking tour ending at Harry’s Bar ( Faulkner’s hideout.) We ordered the classical absinthe drink then, as did some others in our group. Most of us had enough of the anise ( licorice) flavor after a sip or two, but Jane loved the drink and was able to finish most of our offerings. 

A toast to NO, Katrina and Jane!