Jayne C. Lallier

Jayne was preceded in death by her mother Edith O’Connor Lallier. She is survived by brothers Raymond, Mitchell, Thomas, Richard and James and her much loved nieces and nephews. The list of aunts, uncles and cousins was known in full only to Jayne.

Visitation will be at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 1725 Kennard St. Maplewood, MN on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 10am with mass to follow.

Jayne Lallier, 70, lived her life on her own terms. Born with cerebral palsy, she refused to let her disability—or anyone else's expectations—determine what she could accomplish. Strong-willed, fiercely independent, outspoken, and determined, Jayne spent her life proving that being told “you can't” was simply another reason to find a way.

The only girl among five brothers, Jayne learned early to stand her ground. With the love and encouragement of her mother, Edith, her Nana, and other family members, she grew up participating in life rather than watching from the sidelines. She went swimming, played with her brothers, and faced challenges with a determination that would define her for the rest of her life.

Jayne earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Mankato State University and her master's degree from American University in Washington, D.C. She built a career with the phone company while dedicating herself to politics, community activism, and advocacy. Jayne worked for the phone company and was a union employee for CWA where she retired from. She also worked on political campaigns, including that of Congressman Bruce Vento, who considered her part of his family. Through her political involvement, she also developed a lasting friendship with Jim Scheibel and visited the White House.

Jayne was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, women, and those living in poverty. She challenged unfair rules, fought for equal access and opportunity, and worked to preserve a building at Gillette Hospital that held deep personal meaning for her. She believed that if something was wrong, it should be challenged—and if something needed to be done, someone needed to step forward.

She could be outspoken, stubborn, and determined to have things done her way. She liked being in charge and was never afraid to tell people exactly what she thought. But behind that formidable personality was a woman who cared deeply about others and believed everyone deserved dignity, opportunity, and a voice.

Jayne also treasured her family history. She became the family historian, preserving generations of French-Canadian and Irish heritage, remembering the stories, relationships, and people who connected her family across time. She was proud of her roots, her community, and the family she loved.

Perhaps nothing captures Jayne's spirit better than her determination during her final days in the hospital. Even while seriously ill, she insisted on getting her glasses so she could vote absentee in the 2026 election. When offered help marking her ballot, she refused. She wanted to do it herself. Her vote mattered, and she was determined to make it count.

That was Jayne to the very end. Even in a hospital bed, she was not about to surrender her independence or let someone else decide things for her.

Jayne's life was a testament to the power of determination. She faced physical challenges, societal barriers, and other people's doubts, yet she continued to learn, lead, advocate, and make her voice heard. She did not simply overcome obstacles for herself; she worked to make life better for others who faced them, too.

She leaves behind a legacy of fierce independence, public service, compassion, family pride, and an unwavering refusal to accept limitations imposed by others.

Jayne never waited for the world to tell her what she could do. She made up her own mind and got to work.

If Jayne had one final message, it would surely be:

“Don't tell me I can't. Just get out of my way.”

And that is exactly how she lived.

Rather than flowers, please make a donation to Gillette Children's Hospital.