I worked with Jane in DC 20 years ago, before I moved to Boston.  For some reason, I was thinking of her recently, and I just read the notice in a GW magazine.  I see I am far from the only one who adored being in her presence.  I am so sad to hear the news.

Dear Stephen, Zachary, Samuel and Marky,
Jane and I went to Smith together and lived in Gillett House. I read the notice of her death in the most recent Alumnae Quarterly.  Her dazzling smile never changed - nor the twinkle in her eyes. My condolences to you all and to the rest of Jane's family. This is such sad news.

Gosh I just heard about Jane.  She was so much fun!  I remember all the rock and roll dances we used to have in Arlington at the Cherrydale Firehouse and other locations.  I haven't seen you guys for many years but have such happy memories of the family.  Barksdale Penick.

So sorry for your loss. God promises to reunite us with our dead loved ones. He mentions the Earth will be restored to paradise conditions with an abundance of peace. God never lies (ISA 33:24)

Jane was the person who convinced Elizabeth almost 34 years ago that it was worth having a follow-up lunch date with me after we had met at Steve and Jane's 1981 Halloween party.  Jane was a droll one, indeed, and her endorsement did the trick.  This is a belated and final Thank you for that gesture.  It was a strangely twisted set of circumstances that led to Elizabeth and me being out of the country (for the first time ever together) as these most recent events unfolded.  We had no idea what had happened until last Wednesday, while we were still in Nova Scotia.  

There is a time for grief.  We still have memory.  It is now only appropriate to celebrate Jane's life -- full of friends and accomplishments -- and not struggle to understand the incomprehensible.  With sadness I write Rest in peace.

Jane and I went to grade school together. We reconnected after nearly 50 years on Facebook. We talked at length about lost family, friends and summer destinations. She was determined to live life in her own spirited, uninhibited way. Nearly every photo she posted showed her smiling. She saw the promise in things many of us dismiss, even politics. She accomplished so much and seemingly asked for so little in return. Jane left her friends better than she found them. I regret not telling her just how special I think she really was. My first impression was like my last, she was one of a kind.

Farewell Jane, lil' Pioneer '74.  Thanks for leaving us the memory of your sweet smile.

Jane always lit up a room. She was a joy to spend time with. Her untimely passing is a reminder to all of to live life to the fullest and make a difference in your community every day. Sending much love from Ann Arbor,

About six years ago Jane came to my house for book club and was wearing a powder blue sweater. She looked radiant and I decided I had to have that sweater. Since then I have purchased 17 powder blue sweaters, all of them wrong. Too short, too long, wrong color. I'm not going to buy the 18th sweater Jane. To possess your grace is not going to come from an article of clothing. You are beautiful inside and out and you inspire me.

Whenever I think of Jane I think of her dry humor and happy go lucky attitude. She was a great friend and I will miss her beautiful face.

I will greatly miss Jane. She was one of my first friends at court. Being with her made our difficult work more bearable. Her laughter was infectious and it was always such fun to be with her - from consignment shopping to our "Old Timers Party."  Her irreverent comments were hilarious and so refreshing.  It was a privilege to be friends with her.  She was one of a kind and the world is a sadder place without her.

Jane was energetic and kind with a good sense of humor - just a nice person to be around.  Tom Heslep

Jane was a friend and a colleague.  I was sadden to hear of her passing.  She was an intelligent beautiful person and an advocate for those who would not otherwise have been heard.  Her bright personality will be missed, and the halls of the Superior Court will be  diminished thereby.

It was always a pleasure to be with Jane.  She was a great adornment to  a drab courthouse, and she will be sorely missed.

I have always appreciated Jane's smile which made the practice in Superior Court a pleasant environment. Several years ago she threw a party for all those who had been practicing in Superior Court for some time and stated that she wanted to have everybody get together before they disappear in the sunset. That party brought many people together and it was greatly appreciated.  She will be missed. Pierre

Jane was the one who helped me get past my new attorney jitters in 1987.  Jane just would not let you take yourself too seriously.  I loved her verve and zest for life.  No one can make you laugh like Jane can, as if you were her best friend.

It was a pleasure to know, and work with Jane.  Unfailingly cheerful, friendly and warm.  I shall miss her greatly.  My heart goes out to her family.
Shirin Ikram

The news of Jane's passing is very very sad indeed. In her representation of individuals with mental retardation in the 1980s she showed energy, insight, and compassion.  I  hope that her family will find comfort in good memories of Jane and the love of family and friends.  We will be thinking of her.

Jane was one of a kind, I am sure that everyone knows that. It was my pleasure to have worked with her and known her. I am so sorry that she has left us.

I remember Jane as someone who was truly devoted to those she represented. She was a rare person.

The sorrowful loss of an exceptional individual. You will be remembered, Jane. May the privilege of knowing you comfort those who loved you.

It took about 5 minutes after meeting Jane to realize you were talking to a very vivacious, impressive person. We will all miss her. David Lloyd (Va)

What a lovely lady. I enjoyed working with Jane and was always so glad she would be assigned as the attorney on my family cases. She lived a full life. She loved her family and delighted in her children's' growth and changes.

People loved Jane and for good reason.....

It's SO senseless, so sudden, so utterly gutting. Jane was the one person on this planet, and over all the arc of my life with whom I laughed the hardest and most uncontrollably; truly, to the point of incontinence. Jane was an irreverent wise-cracker, a fierce crusader for the disenfranchised, a force of nature and an exquisitely sensitive soul.   It's utterly unfathomable that a blazing spirit of such robust vitality, hilarity, ferocity and idiosyncratic uniqueness could be  abruptly extinguished. The world is forever a blander and duller place for her absence, but the Great Divine is now blessed by her sparkling, joy-inspiring spirit.

OBITUARY

Jane S. Hammitt

16 April, 1956 – 13 September, 2015

Murphy Funeral Homes

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