Jane Bray Yacoe

Jane Bray Yacoe, age 62, died peacefully at her home in Coatesville, PA, on January 31, 2013, after a long battle with brain cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends. Jane was the beloved wife, for 33 years, of Paul Yacoe and the adored mother of Jesse Yacoe and Rosalind Yacoe. She was the daughter of Polly Bray of Newark, DE, and the late Dale Bray.

A classically trained actress and singer, Jane was also a talented writer, speaker, dancer, choreographer, and founding member of several theatrical enterprises. At the time of her passing, she was completing a memoir and spiritual autobiography, “Running with Fireflies.”

Jane was a graduate of Newark (DE) High School and received a B.A. in Theater Arts from the University of Delaware. She studied acting and dance in New York City, and voice in Seattle. A professional equity actress as well as a member of SAG and AFTRA, She had leading roles in numerous plays, including "Damn Yankees," “Guys ‘n Dolls,” “Peter Pan,” “As You Like It,” and “Stop the World.” She also performed in several feature films, including “Seven Hours to Judgment,” directed by Beau Bridges, and “Bombs Away.” Of her performance as Adelaide in in “Guys ‘n Dolls,” critic Paul Gregutt wrote: “in that role, admittedly the plum of the play, Bray was unstoppable…when [she] was on stage, it was Broadway, with all its flash and fire.”

Jane was deeply involved in connecting her fire and skill as a performer to her Christian faith. She was Director of 4-Winds dance ministry, which profoundly influenced many young men and women. In addition she was an active member of Aglow International , and president of its local chapter in Coatesville. Jane was a member of Calvary Fellowship i n Downingtown, PA.

The many people who were touched by Jane will miss her formidable conviction, energy, compassion, courage, and wisdom. They will also miss her contagious sense of humor.

In addition to her husband Paul, Jane is survived by two children, Jesse Yacoe, husband of Lyryn Yacoe of Parkesburg and Rosalind Yacoe of Coatesville; two grandchildren, Jayden and Ian Yacoe; her brother Jim Bray, husband of Jo Kallal Bray, of Newark, DE; and her mother, Polly Bray, of Newark.

For further updates and contact with the family visit Lyryn's Facebook (Jane's daughter-in-law).

Family and friends are invited to attend a Life Celebration Service at 3pm on Saturday February 23, 2013 at Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg, Pa 19365. Jane's dressing style, like her life, was vibrant and colorful. Her desire was that the celebration of her life be the same. When alive, she said she preferred people not wear black at her funeral, rather colorfully revel in her reunion with her Lord. She is now dancing, singing and praising in Heaven and wanted her family and friends to share in that joyful knowledge.

Arrangements are being handled by Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main Street, Parkesburg, PA 19365 (610 857-5551 ).

Online condolences can be submitted by clicking the link “Send your condolence” below. The family has been greatly blessed by the outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories of Jane over the last several weeks and would cherish hearing even more of them.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Jane Yacoe's memory to the National Brain Tumor Society, 124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472 or go online to make a donation. When making a donation online please check the box that states that this donation “is an honor or memorial gift”.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jane Bray Yacoe, please visit our flower store.

Jane Bray Yacoe

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