From the “high” (Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su) to the “low” (us “lowly” tradeswomen) people from Jane’s huge network of connections reached out — first to offer help and comfort as she lay dying and then to offer condolences and tributes after her passing. Although I had known Jane many decades and saw her in action in a variety of contexts — everything from sending clippings, cards and notes to me via snail mail to researching and writing books/articles/book reviews etc. on important and cutting-edge ideas to advising journalists and grassroots organizers to organizing herself — I could not have imagined how far-reaching her influence was and how many people treasured her friendship and relied on her. People, who I never suspected she even knew, told me how important she was to their work.

Jane was taken from us too soon and too suddenly. We didn’t have nearly enough time to show her our love and appreciation while she was alive. But in her memory and honor, we can redouble our efforts to support her principles and goals.

In closing, I want to share a poem Jane wrote and sent to me (snail mail!) in March 2005. A poem that describes Jane’s own life as well as the tradeswomen she wrote about.