Jane Ellen Bennington

Jane would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family, friends, and pets she has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110 percent. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, sailing and reading to her heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce.

Jane was very involved socially from the time her daughters were very young. She was either revamping a program to make it the best or just plain starting the group because it wasn’t there for her to enjoy her many pastimes. Jane was the chairman for Wider Opportunities for the Girl Scout Council of Indiana. She was not only the chairman but an integral part of the selection committee. Jane was an unstoppable force of change in a long list of young women’s lives, including her daughters. She went on in later years, right here on Pine Island to be a very important part of the Selection Committee for Girls State, a program/scholarship opportunity for high school girls held at our own American Legion Post 136. Jane founded, with her husband George, the Pine Island Sailing Club. Jane also belonged to the P.I. Boat Club. She was an active member of our local social clubs from The Moose Lodge #1954 to The American Legion Post 136 Ladies Auxiliary.

Let’s talk about passion for a moment…..Jane was one of the most passionate people on Earth. Her kids and especially her grandsons Jack and Wyatt were the end all be all for her! I think she would have moved a mountain for her family if it was required. Jane had passion for the Lord everyday…..always reading from The Book of Common Prayer and yearning to learn more about the Lord. Just to take a peek around her home would tell you that! She also had a passion for St. John’s and The Beacon of Hope of Pine Island. Even on vacations her thoughts were never very far away from either and often brought work with her. They truly became a part of who she was. She was always talking about something that was going on at The Beacon or how parishioners were doing at church. She began and ended every day in prayer for others rather than herself. To know Jane was to remember that smile that lit up a room and made you feel loved and that someone was truly listening and cared about you. No matter what the pain or discomfort she felt, which sometimes was great; she had a smile just for you.

Jane’s final message to the world:

People are often unreasonable,

illogical, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse

you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway

If you are successful you will earn

some false friends and some true enemies,

Succeed anyway

What you spend years building some

could destroy overnight.

Build anyway

If you find serenity & happiness

they may be jealous.

Be happy anyway

The good you do today, people

will often forget tomorrow.

Do good anyway

Give the world the best you

have & it may never be enough.

Give the world the best you have anyways

You see, in the final analysis,

it is between you & God,

it was never between you

and them anyways.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. A catered reception to follow, “under the oaks", at St. John’s.

***In lieu of flowers those who wish to remember Jane in a special way may make gifts in her memory to The Beacon of Hope, 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City, FL 33956. ***