It was the summer of 1977 following the Democratic primary. I was having breakfast at the John Marshall in Richmond and struck up a conversation with a woman at the next table. Her name was Jane Vitray and by her accent I knew she didn’t live in southwest Virginia. We had been on opposite sides of the primary for Governor and she vigorously defended her position as I did mine. As the years have unfolded that would be the last time we’ve ever been on opposite sides.
Not long after my election to the House of Delegates that year I began to hear rumors that I was running for Attorney General. Nothing could have been further from the truth at the time and I had no idea where the rumors were coming from. Later I heard that Jane had been the source during a luncheon in downtown Richmond.
Then in the summer of 1983 Jane, along with Louise Ware, paid a visit to me at my home in Stuart. You’ve heard the expression which ends with “or get off the pot.” Their message was as unvarnished as that. It was time for me to make a decision about running for Attorney General.
The rest is history except for all the pieces that aren’t in the public domain: how later Jane drove me all over Northern Virginia and Washington to meet the people I needed to meet two years before the election; how her home was my home when I was in Northern Virginia; and, how she was more than a supporter and friend and close to a mother for me when times were tough.
And now Jane is in her own campaign and those of us who know her and love her and are forever indebted to her join her in every way we can beginning with prayers for her speedy and full recovery. Jane we salute you. When God gave you to us He truly broke the mold. You’re special beyond expression and our love and gratitude to you has no bounds.
— Mary Sue
Jane Vitray is at home recovering from cancer surgery she had on Monday. Although she will need further treatment, Jane is one tough “good old girl” and we know she will be back in fighting form in no time. Please feel free to send any good wishes and prayers, or share any comments below.
8 Responses to “Jane Vitray”
Subscribe to The Farm Team in your favorite RSS reader
Subscribe to The Farm Team by email
Join us on Facebook
Jane — I hope you are resting comfortably and well on your way to a full and speedy recovery. Thank you for all your hard work in promoting women in leadership. You are a true leader and our hero. We need you back and at ‘em as soon as you’re healthy and well.
Keeping you in my thoughts, prayers and intentions,
Alicia Knight
Stafford
Good Ol’ Girl
Jane – I have learned so much from you these past many years. And, as we begin this new chapter with The Farm Team, there are many more young women you need to help train, so you better prepare for a speedy recovery and know there are many prayers coming your way.
Susan Platt
Jane: Courage my friend. We are all wishing you a speedy recovery. You mean so much to all of us. If there is anything I can do to help you get through this just give me a call. You have helped us all in so many ways-now it is our turn.
Love, Leslie
Jane
OK you have till the end of February to rest, then we have to get ready for the March “Good Ole Girls” brunch. If you think I am going to run it by myself you are crazy! And use your influence to get Mary Sue to be our March speaker.
Serious – take care, rest and if you need anything you know how to reach me. I mean it friend, take care.
Jane, I was so so sorry to learn of your surgery. As I thought about how best to let you know how much I have learned from your wisdom, I offer you some in return: “Chin up. This too will pass.” And so it will.
I expect this detour will straighten out in short order, and we will have you back, leading the pack.
I loved seeing you on Sunday and I wish I had had a chance to give you more loving. You have always been there for me. Please know that Chuck and I
will keep you in our prayers.
Love,
Lynda
Jane,
I have learned so much from you and am still learning. You have been a rock to so many of us and there for our candidates thru the good times and the not so good. My very best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Love
Susan Swecker
Jane
I just heard about your surgery last night and I want you to know that I am thinking about you and sending best wishes your way. I know you will be back at the helm soon.
Love, Rachel Rifkind