Jane Elizabeth Bruer

Let us remember Jane. Loving wife, faithful daughter, caring sister, dedicated teacher, valued colleague, cherished friend, ready volunteer.

Let us remember a very young Jane at the piano, singing with her mother. And as an older, advanced piano recitalist showing poise under pressure.

Let us remember Jane spending hours with her beloved father, storing away lessons and memories she’d draw upon for a lifetime.

Let us remember Jane around a Wisconsin campfire with her family, quietly watching the smoke and ash rise from the lakeshore to the heavens in the night sky.

Let us remember Jane in front of a chorus, coaxing her singers to be do their best, making listeners feel the music.

Let us remember Jane hiking through a glorious, color splashed autumn day in the Carolina mountains, renewing her spirit.

Let us remember Jane immersed in a book, temporarily lost to the rest of us.

Let us remember Jane in a field of strawberries bright with the sun. She’s picking a brimming basketful and thinking of which of her friends will soon receive a surprise gift.

Let us remember Jane on the telephone — planning, problem solving, consoling, suggesting, learning, advising, sharing all she could to be of help.

Let us remember Jane delighting in the water – in the childhood pool, on the shores of Cape Cod, on Shell Lake, near the ocean pier at Wrightsville, with her friends at Meadowmont, and, perhaps most especially, with the dolphins in Key Largo.

Let us remember Jane caring for her sister in Mary Ann’s final days, just a few months ago.

Let us remember Jane behind the wheel of the car with her Patrick at her side, having a tank full of gas and a wide open agenda, the afternoon stretched out ahead filled with the ordinary pleasures of being alive and together.

Let us remember Jane who sought to bring Christ-like values to all she did, and who trusted that she would be reunited in Heaven with those who she loved.