Jane – Remembrances
Some of these messages were sent when people learned of Jane’s illness and others after they learned of her death.
We loved spending time with Geoff and Jane and should have spent more time. Jane has a wonderful laugh that I can hear in my head as I type this and I am smiling just thinking of it.
Jane -Sailing in the rain, what more can I say. We live in the Northwest and it rains! I always admired when you and Geoff would come in actually SAILING in your weather appropriate clothing and smiling and having fun. We shared wine (lots of it) and wonderful laughs with both of you.
Here's to you Jane and Banana Samba! May the wind always be there for you!
Kelly and Jim Hettinger
Sandy and I remember you two as wonderful friends from CATSS. My memory is of the two of you coming in on your 27 dressed up in foulies, faces red from the wind and cold and always happy. We always looked forward to seeing your boat approaching a cruise location. In fact, the photo that has been the wallpaper on my work computer all these years has your boat at Dock Street Marina right in the middle. That photo still cheers me today. Lots of fond memories from that special time in our lives. Thank you for all of them.
Tom and Sandy Brosius
One of my fondest memories of Jane is one day while visiting us --- she asked if it would cause too much noise (or something like that ) if she shut the door to the bedroom and practiced her flute. I love the flute and she was a talented musician. I think I told her she could practice her music any time in our home but Please leave the door open. I don't think she did -- but I listened to as much of it as I could.
Virginia Doherty
We were blessed to be neighbors of Jane and Geoff's in Federal Way. I often got to hear Jane's beautiful flute music from our home. This always brought a sense of comfort and joy for me, reminding me of the years when I played the flute in school. Jane was always a kind, friendly neighbor. She always took a moment out of her day to chat and see how we were doing. I admired her zest for life and music.
Emma Greer
I was late-in-life to find my cousin Janie, but the 20 or so years we had together were grand. We had the Leeson past in our lives and we clicked from the start. She was a great gift to me, as she was to many others. She shared unstintingly with those she had in her orbit, both in person and through her wonderful music.
As another only child we both knew the expectations of parent care, but Jane really ran it up the flag pole! Her care of her “folks” was truly beyond measure! Though Jane wasn’t one to speak of love in flowery ways, she lived her love every day.
Her laugh is very present in memory, as is her spicy little sense of humor. Jane found stuff to laugh about often. Her humor was quick and often unexpected. She was a smart girl!!
It was so obvious that music inhabited Jane’s very soul, even in the drudgery of daily practice. She taught, she shared, she mastered her art and so many benefited from her gifts. I was often in awe of what she could make come out of that silvery tube!
Play on, Dear Jane, in the spheres.
Kathy Leeson
She was a wonderful musician and Friend. I met Jane through the SGI Nichiren Buddhist community about 20 years ago when we both chanted and performed several times for Buddhist events at our beautiful Culture Center in SeaTac. I introduced Jane to the MHTP and I was delighted when she became a CMP. Jane had a big and caring heart, which she lovingly shared with everyone who was fortunate to hear her play her flute.
Rachel Greenspan
We met Jane in the fall of 2011 when our 10 year-old daughter decided she wanted to play the flute. Grace has autism and for three first few weeks of band, she couldn't grasp how to get a sound out of her flute. In desperation, I called a local music store and asked for recommendations for a private flute teacher. Jane was such a God send for our family. She had experience with special education students and was the perfect match for us. Under Jane's instruction, Grace's musical skills improved and Grace played in the school band and sometimes church orchestra throughout high school. Jane also taught Grace piano. She was so patient and kind. I hope we were able to convey to her what a blessing she was to our family. Music gave Grace a way to belong to a group and was her social connection through her school years.
David, Kay, and Grace Chung
Two only-child girls found each other as first semester freshmen at the University of Michigan and we stayed together for the next four years. Together in everything.
Since our graduation she had her music and I had my art and we both followed our paths, happy and secure in the fact that we had both made the right choice for our life. Our lives were parallel in more ways than mere chance would suggest. Living in many different locations, taking care of our parents at the end of their lives, and the fact that cancer touched both of our lives.
Although we lived thousands of miles apart after Ann Arbor, each time we talked it was as if we were still roommates, as if we had last talked just days before. We had a friendship that was based in love and respect that endured for 50 years. I will never forget her.
Toni Flint
I am not sure where the time goes but I do remember the ‘good old days’ at U of M with great fondness and especially the wonderful Symphony Band Tour to Europe. I have seen pictures from the tour and they bring back such happy memories. I was sad not to make it to the reunion several years ago but understand that you were there. I so wish that I had gone, since I would have loved to have seen you and our colleagues again.
I certainly remember all of us sitting in the flute section with Revelli glaring down at us, that steely look in his eyes, filling me with trepidation! But at the same time he inspired us to give our very best and for that, I’m so grateful. And I felt your calm presence so reassuring too. We did all have a good time, didn’t we?
Nancy Ruffer
Today, I, along with all the members of the European Tour Symphony Band learned of your illness. Words cannot express my sorrow upon learning about this. We are all in tears!
Even though we have not seen each other for nearly fifty years, we are still members of the Michigan Band family. What a bonding music is! It is amazing that incidents from that tour are still clearly etched in our minds. Playing in Venice, in front of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, when the tide water flooded the plaza.
We were part of something special—something that unites us forever. Music is something so special. It is part of our soul.
Joe Dobos
I have not stayed in touch with many people from the band, but I did consider Jane a friend. Geoff, you have been fortunate to be married to such a good and talented person.. I have positive memories of the people who made that tour and remember Jane as a solid and "down to earth" and conscientious member of the flute section. She has a lot to be proud of. It wasn't easy!!
Miller Sigmon
I recall seeing the two of you at the reunion several years ago. We did have a chance to talk for a bit. I always enjoyed Jane's wonderful smile and personality. She is a wonderful person. I'm sure you feel fortunate to have her for your wife.
Andrew Drelles
We are especially grateful to Jane for her outpouring of love for Bob's mom. After she'd had the stroke and we knew she would not recover, Jane hopped on a plane to Michigan, brought her flute, and played beautiful music for Margaret to comfort her. Jane also brought a CD of beautiful piano music to play in her room, which we still play. Those generous gifts of love and kindness continue to touch us today! Jane is a very special lady!
We also marvel at the energy she put into caring for her parents! She did so much for them to make their final years meaningful and making them feel the full power of her love! She was so dedicated! We have the utmost respect for her dedication when it was a huge challenge and for the grace YOU showed through all of the challenges! God bless you both! That was not easy!
Bob has many happy childhood memories of growing up together & time at Big Star Lake!
We enjoyed the times we spent together visiting you in Seattle and your gracious hospitality, and when you took us out on the sailboat. Breathtaking!
Bob and Cathy Hankes (pronounced Hank-us)
Jane was a very fun-loving, easy-going person to work with professionally, and I always loved her sense of humor and her willingness to adapt as necessary to make whatever project we were working on succeed. And then more recently our mutual SGI Buddhist practice made us a little closer as well, and I will miss her dearly.
Chris Chalifour
Jane was an incredible human being. She was caring, kind, and phenomenally dedicated to everything she did, especially as a musician. I am so grateful that she was in my life almost from the time I moved to Seattle about 20 years ago, and I will miss her more than I can ever say.
Shari Muller-Ho
Jane was a cheerful, generous, skilled, and purposeful music colleague. Her quiet good humor and energy fed all of us. Though I knew her for only a short time, I'll miss that and remember her fondly.
James Whitehead
After a first run through of the prelude to Wamba (a shadow puppet piece we did in the Cornish theatre) it had jelled and everyone looked around at each other shocked (happy shocked).
And Jane said - "your music never looks like it sounds!" We all laughed and I think that thought of hers never changed, yet she was always game to try the next few operas and other works we did together.
Jay Hamilton
Jane wasn't only a valuable musician in the orchestra, but I truly feel her administrative/logistical role was pivotal in me finding my footing. Her encouragement, oversight, and enthusiasm for Rainier's success was inspirational to me; and the support she seemed to show me from day one is something I will continue to cherish.
Jeff Lund
Playing with Jane and Joel was a very important part of my musical life and I enjoyed working with her very much. I'd like to think that she and Joel are already working on some duets in the celestial realm.
Matthew Weiss
Thank you for treating a dorky high school senior like a partner and a friend. For playing at church so many countless hours. And of course for the fun, laughter, and joy of your friendship and the pleasure of music-making over the years. The gifts you’ve shared with me will live on.
Kevin Peterson
We all appreciate your love of music and your graciousness in playing for the choir and church services, the concerts at Wesley Terrace, the second hours with Danette, and the services in the outdoor sanctuary. The Christmas seasons when you played the Galway arrangements will always be in my heart – the lightness and the joy. And your duets with Kevin.
You have meant a lot to the church, the choir, and all the groups you have played with – and to me especially. Friends at church and through music. Thank you for sharing your musical gifts with us.
Alice McGregor