Nomination Letter

Written by client's niece, Leslie G.

I loved Jayne from day one! My aunt, Doris, never married, never had children. Her sister, my mom, died of COVID-19 June 2020. That same day she had to put down her beloved cat. In December of that year, her only other relative, other than my family and a brother on the West coast, her cousin died in December. Bernie and Doris were like brother and sister. Bernie lived around the corner from her. Doris no longer drives. They had routines. Mass, breakfast then he would go home, back for lunch. Then, depending on the night, dinner was at one of their houses together. Tuesday was a shopping day, Friday dump day, etc. I knew with the passing of Bernie and the loss of her beloved pet things would be difficult.

My aunt is very independent. As a former Woman's Army Core Sargent she felt that she was capable of doing things herself. Nine weeks after the passing of Bernie, Doris fell and broke her hip. After weeks in rehab, she was going home. This is when Jayne became our angel. Jayne has a way with Doris. Her smile, her laugh, and her way of interacting with Doris is amazing. Doris never feels like Jayne is taking away that independence, rather someone to help her. Jayne has Doris direct her or work right with her when it is safe to do so. Jayne is always upbeat, smiling, and loves to chat. She is accommodating and a very loving and compassionate person. 

Jayne is an amazing, caring , loving person! She goes above and beyond each day. Jayne is a city girl, my aunt is a country farmer, and they get along BEAUTIFULLY! Jayne without hesitation and with a happy heart, jumped right in, filling feeders, feeding turkeys, and anything else that wandered into the yard. She has been planting seeds, tending to plants, all of the things my aunt loves but can no longer do without aid.

Jayne goes outside with Doris every nice day. She has been working on beautifying a yard that my aunt loves but has had to neglect for many years, due to physical inability. Jayne is always smiling or laughing "Doris look at that bird...what is it?" "I've never tended to a plant in my life,” she will say with a laugh. “Doris, what do I do with this one?" She not only keeps my aunt engaged and feeling needed but is genuinely interested! 

This week my aunt turned 90. She lives across from a golf course that my grandfather built 100 years ago. My aunt is always talking about the "course" and the many memories she has. Jayne said to her one day in January, why don't I take you to lunch there one day. Oh no my aunt responded, “You have to be a member. I cannot just go in.” So, Jayne arranged all by herself to get Doris and all of the family in for lunch the week of her birthday. She spoke to the general manager, told him who Doris was and they greeted her with open arms. Jayne told people that Doris knows who work there or play golf there, that she was going to the club for lunch. People came over wishing Doris a happy birthday. She was able to share memories with many. My aunt was glowing she was SO happy. Jayne is a selfless advocate with not only Doris's safety in mind but also her happiness and wellbeing.

Jayne has given my aunt back a quality of life. Bernie was a very sick man for many years. As a result, Doris worried and endured. Jayne has brought back laughter, fun, great conversation, and adventure for Doris.