Jane Bray Yacoe

Jane will remain the brightest, most creative and joyful light I've ever had the pleasure to know. Her loving and supportive friendship, her generous spirit, her laugh. And that smile!
I am grateful for her presence in my life.
For every song we sang together.
For each and every moment.
My heart and love is with her family. Stay strong for each other.

Her love for you will never go away.

But knowing Jane,
I'm sure you already know that.

I am one of the lucky ones...I had Jane's bright shining light in my life early on. In college, in travels, and in our adult life. Jane carved a special place in my heart that will remain there forever. I think when you lookup the word "spirit" in the dictionary...it must say..."see Jane Bray". Her life and all of the lives she touched were so much better because of that spirit. It would not matter the task or the subject ...with Jane there, it was always positive and full of wonder. Her laugh and the deep breath of wonder she would take when she was surprised by something...will forever be in my ears. My love to Paul and her family.

Jane, I have NEVER known anyone with your level of Passion for EVERYTHING...no matter how big or small ~ for things that mattered and things that didn't, because you had a way of making everything & everyone *AMAZING* and Oh so Special!!! I spent the day this past Sunday making Chili. The Chili that you Made...the Chili with the Dill. I have made it many times, but for some reason (now I know why), I thought of you as I added each ingredient. I also think of you everytime I think of Peter Pan, & will never forget you flying through the air at the Wilmington Playhouse ~ and the absolute awe on the children's faces. But, most of all, I think of you when I am feeling negative about something. It forces me to be more tolerant & patient...because that just makes everything so much easier & better. And I learned that from you.
Paul...I am thinking of you, and I am so very sad for your loss ~ I know you loved her more than anyone can imagine.

Paul and kids,
I am so sorry to hear of Janes passing. My sincere sympathy to you and yours.
Teri

I was so sorry to read of Jane's passing in the Seattle Times. Although I never met her in person, I will never forget her performance in a local theater of Guys and Dolls. I've been a theater-lover all my life and have seen no performance of that role to compare with hers. She had many fans here and I'm sure she will be sorely missed by all of you who knew and loved her.

I just found out about Jane's passing from one of our old University of Delaware theatre collegues that contacted me with the news. Even though I haven't seen Jane since our old college days, I remember performing with Jane in vivid detail. Her boundless energy, wonderful voice and endless dedication to make every show she was in the best it could be are among my fondest memories at the U. of D.

I was thrilled to see that she kept that dedication to theatre and the arts alive throughout her life. I know that she was a positive influence on everyone she worked with. Please except my heartfelt condolences to your family and my prayers honoring her indomitable spirit and life.

Dear Paul and dearest most precious Jane, It's Dick Aumiller here. I've just heard about Jane's passing from Ron Clough. We always think the special ones will live forever. But Jane was so special that I guess she was called to lead the way. The glorious picture of her usual 150% effort from Dames At Sea will grace the wall of wherever I live until my time is up. My Lola in Damn Yankees, Amy to my Charley in Where's Charley?, Joan to my Lucky in Dames at Sea. My townhouse-mate for one glorious college year. My "wife" (!) when I rented the memorable Toad Hall. ("Oh, Honey, won't that room make a wonderful study for you?") You didn't direct Jane; you hoped you were pointing her in the right direction and then you set her loose. And woe be the actor who wasn't on top of his game when sharing the stage with her; you could be blown into the orchestra pit. She was a force of nature. I loved her father's nickname for her and will always think of her as Janie Kabanie. She had a profound influence on my life.

Paul, my heart and my thoughts are with you.

Paul, Jesse, Roslyn and families - I was heartbroken to read of Jane's passing in the Times yesterday. I know God has called her home and her spirit is engulfed in His Grace. I am sorry for the pain you are suffering from losing her. I wish I had words to provide you comfort. I am glad you have each other to get through your grief. I'm sure there have been lots of tears and laughs and hugs. I send you all my love. Anne

Janie and I grew up together in Newark and she lived across the street in Binns. We went to West Park Elementary, Central Middle School, Newark High School and the University of Delaware together. My greatest thrill was watching Jane perform Adelaide in “Guys’n Dolls” in Seattle and afterwards my parents meeting Jane for a reunion backstage. She was an amazing person and a talented singer who would light up a room with her incredible smile and warmth. Jane will be greatly missed as a friend and an artist. My deepest sympathy and prayers go to the Yacoe and Bray family from your friend in Seattle – Elaine.

I was so sad to read Jane's passing in our paper and my prayers go out to her family. I grew up with Jane and I have many wonderful memories of her, especially during my middle and high school days at Newark. Hugs to her Mom, Polly, and her brother Jim, and to the rest of her family.

Where do I begin to talk about Jane? The shows we did (stepping in to the role of Madame Arcati in "Blithe Spirit" with practically no notice)? "Where's Charley"? "Damn Yankees"? Yes, Jane was a force of nature. A true friend. Talented. She had star power galore and lit up a room or a stage with her very presence.

But above all, I'll never forget the summer of 1977 when I lived with her, Paul and Jeff Prather in Seattle. One night, in the kitchen, I started humming "Some Day My Prince Will Come" when Jane suddenly belted out, in her finest stage voice, "BULL FEATHERS! You ARE the Prince!"

She knew what I didn't, that happiness and contentment are "inside jobs." She was centered. A rock. Wise beyond her years. It would take me decades to realize what she meant.

The world is a dimmer place without her. Fortunately I can still stand in the wings of my imagination and watch her bring down the house.

Thanks for the memories, Jane.

Paul, Jesse and Rosalind ... Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

So sad to hear of Jane's passing. Though it has been many years since Jane graced the stages of Seattle with her electrifying talent, the memory of her glorious voice, vibrant laughter and heartstopping smile will never fade. Jane was truly a triple threat, not only could she sing and dance and act with masterful skill, she was a good friend, a generous scene partner and a giving performer. For those of us lucky enough to have shared a laugh, or a stage or a seat in the audience, Jane's memory will live forever. Much love to her family.

Jane would remember me as Eileen Wood (Bean). She and my sister Kathy (Katherine) were good friends and that's how I got to know Jane. It was a coincidence that I took my Entomology classes from her Dad at the University of Delaware and I fondly recall being at the Bray's house, many times. Jane was so talented and such a fun woman. She came from an awesome family -- everyone was so talented and gifted. We have a church in Hockessin, DE that we always called "Jane's Church" when we go by it. It has a beautiful, huge bronze sculpture that Jane just loved. After a few years, none of us could remember exactly where the church was and Jane, Lil, Kathy and I drove around practically all day looking for it -- and finally found it! We are so sorry for your loss. We've lost 3 close friends to brain tumors and my husband and I walk every year in the Delaware KHG brain tumor awareness walk. This year we will walk in Jane's honor. God Bless. Eileen the Bean Lucas

I worked with Jane in Seattle and always admired her wit, beauty, and attention to detail. She was a beautiful performer who lite up the stage. My condolences to her family. Suzy Hunt

I am sure Jane was met by a legion of angels where she fit right in. She was a dear friend and colleague in Seattle, sharing many theatrical adventures and many fun evenings in the construction site at the home on top of the hill with Paul. I always admired her ability to find deep meaning in the serendipitous colliding of Life's oddities...be it the Jack of Hearts she found in the gutter or how she was guided to just the right crystal for the kitchen window. She always found light and love and she reveled in them. Her faith was astounding. The strongest faith I have ever witnessed. A hurricane of faith. A faith that sustains in these hard times. Paul, Jesse, Rosalind and the rest of her family, I send you my deepest sympathy. She will be missed. She was a great gal.

Jane and I were friends and roommates at U of D so many years ago. She was always the bright spot in my day with her glowing smile, contagious laugh and loving personality. She taught me so much about life and about God's love. I know Heaven is all the more radiant now that she is there. She once woke up very very early in the dorm and went to the ill-equipped 2nd floor kitchen and made me a pancake breakfast to be sure we celebrated my birthday before my 8:00 class. Of course lighting the birthday candles was forbidden in the dorm but we did it anyway. I never eat pancakes without remembering those birthday candle pancakes made with so much love. I am sad that our lives went off in different directions and while heartened to know her amazing personal light and happiness continued to grow over the years, I am very sad that her family and friends must now experience life without her. I wish for you all the peace that passes all understanding.

Hearing from Ron this morning that Jane died has prompted not so much sadness as tears of heart-stopping memories. As dearest Dick Aumiller cataloged his onstage partnerships in Newark, so shall I.
Henry IV: Francis, a what?, a "fetcher(?)" to Mistress Quickly
Dames at Sea: I "Beguine-ing" Courtney's Mona, envying Lucky Dick "Choo-Choo-ing" Jane's Joan
Damn Yankees--please, Lola, want me!
Bobby in Company, Jane dancing Kathy (Donna who?)
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: a backstage witness to Jane's Martha at every performance in our classroom theatre, "E52"--"I DO NOT BRAY!"
And my fondest personal memory of Jane, our delighting in Pinter's A Slight Ache: "Edward, here is your tray."

Wow (gasps of thanks)

Jane, you are alive forever for us... But you know that.

I will always remember Jane making me appreciate the solemnity of the Reagan funeral out at Rehoboth devoid of politics. Just an appreciation of the ceremony. She will be greatly missed and always loved a good show.

How do you measure the impact another person has on your life?  Jane's impact on my life was immense.  My husband and I have a child because of Jane.  She wanted me to be one of her coaches for the birth of her son Jesse, and after watching the birth, I knew that having a child was what I wanted too… she led the way.  Even the very house I live in and have lived in for 26 years was the house Jane and Paul created together.  I remember Jane asking me to come and take a look at the house because they were thinking of buying it and wanted someone else's opinion.  I took one look at the property and said, "OMG, whatever you do, don't buy this house."  But they did buy it. Not only that, but my husband and I bought it after it had been fixed up by Jane and Paul. They turned it into the most amazing home… like all the things Jane touched.  Walking upstairs I see the room that she used to do her sewing… which in now my sewing room.  The storage cabinets that Paul built when he put on the second level… their son, Jesse's bedroom… their daughter, Roz's bedroom… each room filled with memories of Jane.  I remember her enormous energy, her unabashed personality, her tremendous talent and fierce love.  I remember seeing her when she first got cancer 13 years ago, shaved head, surgery scars and bright red lipstick and a huge smile… trusting that her faith would heal her.  And her faith did heal her.  What a deep spiritual bond Jane and Paul shared, forged in struggle and love. She was a great friend, an inspired, fearless woman who changed my life completely.
I was wishing that I'd had an opportunity to say good-bye and then, last night I had a dream that she came to the front door.  I opened it and she came in and I threw my arms around her and said, "Oh Jane, I'm so sorry that you had to go" and she smiled and hugged me and so, in the end, I did get to say good-bye. Rest in peace.

what an alive and energetic person Jane was !
She is remembered by all who knew her as a model of life exurberantly embraced.
She will be missed by many.

The Dutton family sends their sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Jane's family and to her Mother, Polly Bray. Jane was a classmate of mine and my sister, Patricia, at Newark High School. While we lost contact, I and my family still have fond memories of her from years past.

Our deepest sympathy to the Yacoe and Bray families. Amy (Boys) and I were fortunate enough to be acquainted with the Bray family and especially Jane. Amy in High School and I in college at the U. of D. Jane was the best actress I have ever been on stage with in my life. We did a show in the E-52 theatre “A slight Ache” with Dana Evans. Wow I still remember the acting! They were so good. I was in awe to be on stage with them. Jane probably never knew what a great influence she was in my life. Jane was wise beyond her years even in college. Her passion for the theatre, her commitment to excellence, and who can ever forget her smile. Jane will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now, and in the days ahead. I know Jane will be greatly missed.

My heart is broken. Paul, Roz, Jesse and Lyryn, as you know my life is full of Jane stories. And now memories. I feel sorry for anyone who never got to meet or associate with Jane, because that meant to love her. And that would mean they have missed a very remarkable event on Earth, not to be replicated. Jane's living technicolor and joy were indescribable. She has been closer than a sister. And now we all embark on that difficult path of life without her, but an oh so much richer life because of her.

We love you. Marilyn, Bert, Jessie and Sarah

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your wife and mother. Though I haven't seen many of you since the younger years when coaching Jessie in little league, I remember your mom's bubbly personality. It's during these times that I reflect on the fact that I was blessed to have met and spent time together. The one thing I know is that she loved her family and she will live forever thru you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this healing time. I know she'll be watching over each and every one of us.

<p><strong>It's never too late to for a heartfelt goodby.........Janie, I just found out today about your passing when Jimmy made a housecall for my elderly bedridden mother who still lives around the corner.&nbsp; Where did the jump ropes go? You and Susan taught me double dutch&nbsp; Then there was West Park, Central and good ole Newark High and all those wonderful reunions.&nbsp; You had more life&nbsp;in you&nbsp;and optimisim then half of our class.&nbsp; I always knew you would make your place of true happiness on whatever you choose to do.&nbsp; You are sadly missed by all who knew you.</strong></p>

<p><strong>A childhood friend,</strong></p>

<p><strong>Vicki Stolfi Reed</strong></p>

Oh, Paul…  It strikes me as impossible that I’ve learned only today, September 10, 2017, of Jane’s passing, because I think of you both almost every day of my life.  I don’t know what prompted me to search for the two of you online today.  The last time we saw each other was in the late spring of 2002, when you came to Newark to see my production of a play called “Lips Together, Teeth Apart.”  So long ago.  But again I was thinking about you and all I can say is that I wondered if you were still in Coatesville, if you were still reasonably nearby, if I could find a way to contact you again and perhaps come for a visit.  Lately, maybe primarily due to our advancing age, I’ve wanted so much to reconnect with old friends, all the old friends I’ve lost touch with over the years.  The first listing that came up in my search, sadly, was Jane’s obituary, at about 2:00 this morning (I don’t sleep well these days due to neuropathy in my feet), and I’ve been crying since.

Memories assail me.  “Dames at Sea,” my first experience with Jane, comes back full-force.  Watching her perform Martha in “Virginia Woolf.”  Taking her to see the film “Cries and Whispers,” which I’d seen myself a few nights earlier, and how she cried so unreservedly at the ending, so passionate that, when the projection booth began playing an extremely inappropriate piece of music as the end credits were rolling, she stood, turned, and screamed at the projectionist to turn it off – which he did.  An afternoon she and I spent together getting more stoned than I’d ever been before (college days, of course) and how long and hard we laughed at everything, everything.  Most cherished, though, is the day I arrived in Seattle, and Jane drew a hot bath for me in the old claw-foot tub in her apartment, left me in it as she ran errands, and later, the two of you took me to a Chinese place for dinner, where I had hot-and-sour soup for the first time in my life.

It’s been well over four years that I’m hearing of her passing, and my thoughts are just now beginning to go out to her, and to you, Paul.  I admired, respected, truly LOVED both of you so much, and it now feels horrible that I let life intervene with all its other commitments and difficulties to prevent me from staying in touch.  If you see this, however, and if you ever want to contact me, email me at AOL at [email protected].