Jane Dens McManigal

Jane Dens McManigal, 88, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, September 24 while surrounded by her family at her home at Williamsburg Landing in Williamsburg, Virginia. She was born on July 31, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Jacob and Helen Dens. Jane also known as “Ga Ga” by her grandchildren was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She loved her friends. She really loved her family. She never tired of telling someone that she loved them or hearing that she is loved. Consequently, she was most happy when surrounded by one or all of the members of her family. She was their biggest fan and logged an infinite number of hours on the sidelines or courtside watching one of their many sporting events. She was an incredibly gracious host and loved the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, when for years, her extended family gathered at her home to celebrate the holiday. Jane grew up in Westfield, New Jersey and graduated from the University of Richmond in 1949 where she was later elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame. This honor was earned due to her overall contribution to the University as class president, cheerleader, and three sport athlete. She was awarded “all Virginia” honors in field hockey, was captain of the basketball team, and set a school record for the 50 yard dash at 5.9 seconds…a record that stands today…partially aided by the fact that they stopped running the event a few years later, but, nevertheless, the record still stands. No one at her retirement home would question that she holds that record when witnessing her race down the halls of Woodhaven Manor. In fact, she was nicknamed “speedy” by the residents who were often seen clearing the hallway or sitting against the walls when they saw her coming. She is survived by her sons, Robert McManigal III (Cynthia) from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, John McManigal (Holliday) from Santa Barbara, California, and Jeff McManigal from Williamsburg, and her daughter, Elizabeth Duncan (Greg) also from Williamsburg; grandchildren, Thom, Kate, John (Kendyll), Michael (Courtney), Ryan, Tyler, Connor, and William McManigal, Lauren Fields (Heath) and Jake and Michael Duncan and great grandchildren, Beckett, Gigi, Lachlan, Kahlan, and Keela McManigal. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert McManigal, Jr., and her sisters, Jean Mitchell and Helyne Fox. A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg Community Chapel on Sunday, October 4th at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.