Jayne Bowe

Remembrances of Jayne Bowe, our dear VNAB colleague and friend…

With so many wonderful colleagues and amazing patients over those 15 years at VNAB for me one of the true rewards and gifts was getting to know Jayne. As “weekend warriors” it was always a marathon, with time in short supply, but never a shortage of kindness , especially on Jayne’s part. Jayne was always so gentle and empathetic with patients who called the office- they might not be able to see her, but they knew she really cared and that was a real comfort. She was always so willing to help, always doing the extras, never complaining even with all the difficulties her health problems and treatments brought. She was naturally very cute, but coping with the hair loss due to chemo she opted to wear a wig. I remember the late Sunday afternoon in the office when venting a bit about the warmth of the wig, our nurse / comrade Dennis said, “Come on Jayne, just take it off, you’ll feel and look cool!” Without hesitation she did just that, and indeed she felt and looked cool. . She knew so well that she was among supportive friends who cheered for her then and always.

Bad things happen to good people- and the best people continue to care and help as did Jayne . Like all of us she was so saddened at the sudden and inexplicable death of our dear colleague/friend Sandy Grant. That was an unforgettable reminder to cherish life, our beloved family and friends each day.

Even with all the rush and pressure of the weekend work she was always genuinely interested in our lives and families. We knew for sure that Jayne profoundly and unconditionally loved and was totally committed to her kids and grandkids from the many pictures and stories she shared with us.

Jayne sincerely wished me and Cyndy (also one of her friends and fans) a bon voyage when we left the VNAB for our retirement travels in Sept 2008. We emailed and spoke a few times by phone, keeping in touch, getting updates on her condition.

We started to hear from devoted friend Rhonda of Jayne’s deteriorating health in the spring of this year. Our last visit to her just two weeks before she died was poignant and powerful. With all she had endured and was going though she greeted us with a smile, asked how we had been, told us how Rhonda came often and how happy she was recently to see Dennis…we joked a bit ,her pain was not too bad she said , she seemed peaceful as she dozed off.

We heard that she died soon after our visit.
Cyndy attended the wake for us, sharing our grief, respect, and gratitude.

In 2010 VNAB nurses came to our home to take care of me after my cancer surgery and in 2011 they came again for Cyndy after her heart attack and by-pass surgery .In addition to “Susan Komen for the Cure” we made a donation to the VNAB in Jayne’s memory. Those of us who were privileged to know Jayne from the VNAB , from the long hours, from the encounters and challenges of all types, from the frustrations and fun ,the teamwork and camaraderie, we will always remember Jayne’s grace and generosity of spirit. Jayne will always be to us a truly good and loving woman and our dear friend.

Mike and Cyndy Cotter