An intimate and informal memorial ceremony took place Sunday afternoon at 3:30 for Jane T. Reynolds, the beloved former librarian at the Atlantic Highlands branch of the County library.
Jane died Nov. 1 following more than three years of courageously battling GBM brain cancer.
Guests attending the memorial ceremony in the library took advantage of the opportunity sharing their joy at knowing Jane and the very personal reasons why she was so special to each, as well as the joy and lessons they learned simply by knowing her, working with her, and seeing her in watching the sun set or helping a youngster select a book. They shared everything from Biblical stories to A.A. Milne and intimate incidents or memories to recall a friend, mentor, and ever joyous individual.
With guitarist Nick Esposito playing soft music in the background, friend and fellow librarian Faye Sacco showed the joy in Jane’s face and her “TaDa” attitude a photo she brought to the memorial. The photo is Jane at the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and it was taken right before she was diagnosed. “She trained hard for her mountain adventure,” Sacco said, “and she was so happy in the process. I know she is cheering us on.”
Born March 17, 1960, Jane was the daughter of Joseph and Maria Reynolds and was known for her love of children and working with them. She was an instructional aide at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, a volunteer for Literacy Volunteers of America, and also volunteered with Head Start and Lunch Break as well as UNICEF.
But she is remembered warmly and in a special way by the members of the Atlantic Highlands Book Lovers Club and the throngs of children who sought and received her help with everything from homework to simply cheering up a youngster’s day. Always eager to encourage children to read, she took the time to seek out the perfect reading materials for each child, while at the same time stimulating a love for the written word, not only with children but adults who came to the library as well.
Jane studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York, and was a hiker, camper, and mountaineer, citing as one of her great achievements that last mountain climb.
Jane is survived by her brother and closest friend, Joseph, II.
Donations in Jane’s memory can be made to NB Tumors of Newton Mass at http://braintumor.org or to your favorite environmental or arts non-profit organization.
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