Jane Kallison Dreyfus

Jane Kallison Dreyfus died peacefully in Houston Texas on October 15 surrounded by loved ones. Jane was born in San Antonio on July 1, 1928 to Ruth Dubinski Kallison and Morris Nathan Kallison. She was the second of three children. Jane was beloved by her brothers, Jimmy and Jack, and by her numerous cousins, most of whom lived within a one block radius of her childhood Olmos Park home. Jane was an accomplished accordionist and entertained Spanky and Our Gang, Red Skelton, and troops stationed in San Antonio. Jane was a Lasso and member of the National Honor Society at Thomas Jefferson High School.

Jane graduated from the University of Texas and held a Bachelor's degree in English. At UT she was known as Janie. She was the president of her sorority, AEPhi, and maintained lifelong friendships with her "sisters." After graduation she married Seymour Joseph Dreyfus of New Orleans, Louisiana. They had 3 children, Kathy, John and Mark. Jane was always present and actively involved in her children's lives, frequently serving as home room mother in addition to becoming President of the Woodridge Elementary and Alamo Heights Junior School PTOs.

Jane had a weekly bridge club whose members included Prissy Kaufman, Breezy Alyn, Marilyn Dubinski and Martha Landsman. In addition to a spirited game, children were named, child rearing issues were discussed, and the "girls" shared each other's joys and sorrows.

In an effort to remain close to her children and with a desire to work, Jane went to work as the Registrar at Alamo Heights High School. She held that position for many years.

Jane volunteered much of her free time to her favorite causes. She was President of the San Antonio Council of Jewish Women. She was a member of the Temple Beth El Sisterhood and enjoyed her lifelong membership at the Temple.

Jane championed the lives of those less fortunate. She was active in Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), where she represented abused and neglected children in court. She was instrumental in bringing the program to the National Council of Jewish Women.

Jane took great pleasure in the peace and serenity of nature. She loved to work in the garden and planted many bromeliads. She appreciated the simple things in life. She loved the beach, watching the hummingbirds at her feeder, and listening to her wind chimes. Jane was passionate about literature, and she imparted her passion for literature, music, theater and film to her children.

Her 7 grandchildren, Andrew, Ben, Jessica, Lisa, Charlie, David and Cassidy, who she adored, knew her as Nonnie. She embraced her daughters in law, Debby Dreyfus and Daphne McMurrer and her numerous nieces and nephews. Jane valued her close relationships with immediate and extended family and passed this love of family onto her children.

In later life Jane enjoyed the companionship of Glenn Burton who predeceased her. She is also predeceased by her parents and her brother and sister in law, Jimmy and Ruthie Kallison.

In 2013 Jane relocated to Houston to be closer to her children. She never missed a book club meeting or her Spanish class at her independent living center. She read all the recommended books and critiqued them for her family.

Jane was the sweetest and most selfless person who rarely complained or had an unkind word. She was the embodiment of kindness and warmth. Her radiant smile and laughter lit up the world of those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to her devoted and skillful caregivers, Lidia Estela Plaza and Rosa Torres and to her physician, Dr. Carmel Dyer. They also thank Dolores Castellano for her years of dedication and support. Special thanks to her devoted cousin, Hattie Lee Gleichenhaus.

A Graveside service will be held at Beth El Memorial Park on Austin Highway at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 19th to be followed by a reception at Temple Beth El.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to CASA, or the charity of your choice.