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Jane Pyle Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jane Pyle
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Henry Vega
October 2, 2024
When I was her student in the 90's, she asked if I've ever been in a small plane before, fast forward to the weekend and I'm flying in a Cessna with her dear husband, flying over Miami beach so beautiful and my everlasting memory of the everglades from the sky. She encouraged me to compose and here I am. she was an amazing person.
I Karta
March 6, 2024
I am so saddenned to hear Ms. Pyle passing today, years after.
She was my piano professor back in Miami Dade College. As an international student from abroad during recession, she helped me by providing a scholarship after she listened to me playing Fantastie Impromptu.
I am a US citizen now. Without her help, I will not be able to live in this country. From time to time, I would remember her. Today, I finally decided to google her. Your legacy will live in my memory and my family memories. Rest in Peace, Miss Pyle.
John Parnell
March 3, 2023
Jane Pyle was a friend and my piano instructor at UM.I loved her very much. A wonderful person!
Le Zhou
May 8, 2018
Miss you so much!! Dear Godmother .. so much wanted to share with you .. I have achieved my dream! I stopped by at your home the day before Christmas and saw some prayer flags hanging over the porch, sudden had a bad feeling .. I called Mrs. Foster right away .. couldn't believe it's real... that you are gone ... I should have gone back and talked to Rich ... I didn't do a thing ... I could have visited you sooner... Miss you mother!
Harry Chapman
May 16, 2008
Rich,
I just learned of Jane's passing. I saw Omar the other day and he told me the sad news. If there is anythig I can do for you please let me know. You stood by me in some dark times and I surley consider you a dear friend.
Chappy
[email protected]
321 779-8340
Judith Johnson
January 11, 2008
I had the extreme privilege of being in Professor Pyle's last Humanities class before she retired this past August. She had a deep passion for transmitting her knowledge of the Arts to her students. She was funny, witty, and a general delight to be with, especially after a long day at work, somebody to look forward to in the evening class. Although she knew how ill she was (but didn't let us know till the last class), she would often say after her slideshows, "Let's get together next year and travel." She will be missed.
Angie Gonzalez
January 10, 2008
Jane Pyle was my piano teacher at
Miami Dade from 1973-1975 but she
was more than a teacher. She gave me the keys to her studio at home
to practice on her grand piano. She
helped me get scholarships and she
recommended me for jobs. She was
someone that I could call on for
advise, to just talk, she was always available to help. As an
inmigrant she helped me feel like
I belong and that I was talented
even though my english was poor at
the time. She formed me in my career as a musician and music teacher and I still say and teach
my students the way she taught me.
I know that if I use her style of
teaching, my students will remember
me too. I'll remember her for as
long as I live.
Cheryl Star
January 7, 2008
I first met Jane in 1970 when I worked at the UM Music Library. She came in to return a 33rpm record and sheepishly informed me "My dog ate my homework" as she produced about half a record containing numerous tooth prints! I knew immediately that I needed to get to know this charming, witty woman.
She became my friend, my colleague at Miami-Dade South, my accompanist for my master's flute recital and CD. She inspired me to become a better musician and teacher, and I feel blessed to have had her as a mentor.
Her music will always remain in the legacy of the many students whose lives she enriched.
Steve Carl
January 7, 2008
Rich,
I send my warmest thoughts to you during this trying time. Your are in my thoughts and in my prayers my friend. I am so sorry.Please let me know if I can do anything for you. 1DAAT my brother.
Tony Ahlenius
January 6, 2008
The first individual piano lessons I ever had was with Jane in the fall of 1970.She recognized more than I did that there was talent in these long fingers of mine(not nearly as talented as her life long friend Maggie of course).All through the rest of my schooling and later in my firefighting career I would call Jane from time to time to ask her about the proper fingering for a particular piece I was learning.More than that though I just wanted to stay a little connected to this larger than life person who peppered my lessons with so much encouragement that my instructor at F.S.U. was amazed at what she was able to do with me in just two years.
When my days are done and into God's presence I am ushered I fully expect to hear the sound of Jane playing her instruments to the multitudes there.
Adrian Gonzalez-Arredondo
January 6, 2008
life only becomes real when you're reminded on its unavoidable demise. i was reminded on new year's eve when i was told of Mrs. Pyle's passing. and i'm still assimilating the news...
i could sit here and reminisce about the days i was one of her hypothetical music theory TAs (teaching assistants), or tell a story about how she changed my life, or even talk about how she helped me further my studies when my finances were, well, nonexistent.
but my memory's horrible. the details escape me. and they are of no consequence. i feel my ego is represented enough by merely signing this guestbook.
all that i know is that she was (is) a beautiful, beaming being. unselfish in her joy of life through art. present in the moment as one should be.
she introduced me to Camus. i will be forever grateful for that.
and i can't wait to see her again.
John, Leslie, Kelly,Jennifer Zeien
January 5, 2008
Richard,
Our family is saddened to hear of Jane's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Our memories of Jane, the co-worker, teacher and friend will not fade easily.
Ruth & Ed Quillian
January 4, 2008
Please accept our sincere sympathy. We hope your memories will make your sorrow a little easier to bear.
Hanif Butt
January 3, 2008
Mr.Kraemer,
Please accept my deep sympathy on the sad demise of Jane. May you find strength in spirit through prayer to cherish her memories and love.
Cheryl Kellly
January 3, 2008
Words can't even begin to express the sensation of loss I felt on finding out that Jane has moved on to the next phase of her life. I was one of her private piano students through Miami Dade College back in 1972 and 1973. If it were not for her and the "very special" help she gave to me my music education would have stopped before it had a chance to really start. I will always remember Jane and her pet chicken Jessica who would usually leave her at least one egg on a daily basis. I also studied music history with her and found her personal anecdotes about past composers very amusing and kept the course interesting. I was fortunate to have visited her home where she frequently gave me my piano lessons. I am deeply sadned by her loss as I know every person who's life she touched must feel.
To her family. She was and always will be a wonderful person. I feel blessed that I had the opportudity to have known her.
It is my belief that as long as we remember her she will live on forever.
Peggy Barrett
January 2, 2008
My condolences to Richard and his family.
Sharon Obata
January 1, 2008
Jane
was one of the first people Yoshi and I met upon our arrival in Miami
in 1972 when Yoshi joined the music faculty at MDCC. Soon after I was
asked to join as a piano adjunct and thus began a wonderful period in
our lives when both of us had the honor and pleasure of working with
Jane. She had such a positive attitude and was truly a role model for
the students who were fortunate enough to know her or have her as a
teacher. Jane had a wonderful sense of humor and always seemed to find
something special in each individual. I'm sure she touched the lives of
many, many students who are very grateful for having had the
opportunity to know and learn from her. We send our thoughts and
prayers to her family.
Sharon and Yoshi Obata
Barbara Eder
December 31, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. My sincere condolences to her husband and family, for the loss of such a great, fun lady!
Jane was the consummate college teacher and you could tell she enjoyed every moment of teaching. She was always interested in learning and growing with new ideas.
In the years I directed the Music/Humanities Lab (1989 – 1997), there was a tremendous growth process of bringing new technologies, computers, and customized multimedia programs via Humanities grants into the Music Department. I worked with many faculty members writing grants, devising the projects and programming unique multimedia programs that were used in presentations in the classrooms, for Music Appreciation and Humanities classes. These programs also functioned in the Lab for student assignments. All the Music Theory students had Lab assignments to enhance their study and Jane was the most active proponent of all these new technologies, their uses and aids to teaching. She was the first to boldly move in these new directions as we designed new curriculum together. She constantly helped acquire funds and grants for the Lab that allowed so many of the faculty to learn to step into the world of computer technology and multimedia teaching.
She was always on the lookout for something interesting to share with her students. One time she came into the Lab and I asked her to listen to a composition I had written, with synthesizers via MIDI sequencing technologies. She loved it and didn’t bat an eye saying, “Would you come present this to my Music Appreciation class tomorrow at 10 AM?” Of course, I did and it was a fascinating experience. So many students benefited from her unique spirit and dedication to teaching and will continue to do so for many years to come.
One more fond memory I have is walking around with her outside her home, watching all her chickens following her around.
I guarantee, wherever she is now she’s teaching and having a great time!
Chris Castro
December 31, 2007
"I'll never be able to get passed Sight-singing II, Mrs. Pyle." That's what I used to say to her while practicing in her office for hours every day. She would throw pieces of old chalk at me and tell me, "You have way more than what it really takes. It's just hidden somewhere in that big, ugly head of yours, and I am going to beat it out of you to amaze this world with your talent!" She did, and I am now the musician I am because of her and her perseverance and believe in me. She was more than just a College professor. She was a caring, loving, challenging woman. I know she'll rock heaven with her spirit of joy and gift of music!
Shakira Carlo
December 31, 2007
I am a former humanities student of Jane Pyle and I’m deeply saddened by the news of her lost. She was a wonderful, caring, influential, and respected professor. She definitely made Humanities a fun class. Thanks to her I now own cds by Bach and Beethoven. My condolences go out to her family and to the many peoples lives she touched including mine. You’ll be missed by many RIP.
Albert Cobbs
December 30, 2007
I‘m sad to hear about the passing of Professor Jane Pyle. I am a former student of Mrs. Pyle (from the Miami-Dade College, Kendall Campus). Although, she taught me Humanities, a little over a decade ago, I remember that Summer session like it was yesterday. She was always enthusiastic, exciting, and very motivating. She made learning an extremely large quantity of material(in a short time)fun. It was my pleasure to have her as an instructor. And I know that she made a difference in every one of her student’s lives. She was an outstanding professor, who cared about the success of her students. My condolences go out to the entire Pyle Family.
Alinda Lindgren-Goodwin
December 29, 2007
Richard,
Although I only briefly met the two of you and spoke to Jane for a few minutes before Andrew hit I have been happy to know that you have continued to live in the house I grew up in and loved dearly.
I am so sorry to hear of Jane's death and send my deepest sympathy to you.
Alinda Lindgren Goodwin
Tallahassee, FL
Elisa Diaz
December 29, 2007
I was a student of Dr. Pyle at Miami Dade. She taught me to appreciate more than music, she me taught me to appreciate life. I am so saddened to hear of her passing but so touched and honored to have been in her presence. My deepest sympathies go to the family and loved ones. Dr. Pyle has and will always keep a place in my heart.
Kevin May
December 28, 2007
My heart is saddened with the news of Janes Passing, yet I know her spirit will forever remain with all of us who have been touched by her, and many people who may not have ever even known her.
Through her inspiration, encouragement and incredible passion for life she taugt me the importance of finding our own passions, celebrating them and encouraging and respecting others passions.
I loved the way in which she opened my eyes to the world of art in whatever form we chose to see it.
In everything I do today there is a piece of Jane Pyle and her wonderful husband Rich, who both planted incredible seeds of inspiration in me and many others.
Jane your legacy will forever be alive because of all you gave to life and those around you. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Rich and all of her relatives during this difficult time. Thanks for the great memories which I will always treasure!
Cristina & Federico Caro
December 28, 2007
We were Mrs. Pyle's students in 2001 and were inspired by her passion for music. She touched our lives and will deeply miss her. We know she is up there with the angels.
Tonie Toney
December 27, 2007
I can’t find the superlatives to perfectly describe the goodness of Jane. It is my opinion that none of us comes close to being perfect – yet, to my mind, the single word that fits Jane best is just that - “perfect.”
I knew her as a friend, a pianist, and a consummate teacher who professed far more than her knowledge of music. It wasn’t necessary to be formally enrolled in her classes in order to experience her gift of sharing. I have a notion that she was appreciated by the vast majority of her students at the time they were her students – rather than their having to learn her value only in retrospect. She was far from unidimensional; she was interested in so many things. I’m sure I’m not the only person who felt that she was truly interested in what interested me. I’ve even seen her get excited over rocks that she picked up and carried home at the end of many of her travelling adventures. Some of those rocks are among my treasures.
My sympathy goes out to all people who are heartbroken over this loss – her family, friends, colleagues – but most of all to Rich. My friend, thank you for the great degree in which you enhanced the quality of her life.
Words cannot do justice to Jane – perhaps our actions, particularly in the way we treat other people, is the way we should try to honor her.
Nancy Kraemer
December 27, 2007
Jane Pyle or "PJ" has been an integral, intriguing and inspiring part of the family for decades. We have been blessed and have all been changed by her magic teaching touch. A part of our being left with her, to be found whenever we look at the stars or share an adventure. Most of all, I'll miss Jane's courage and her megawatt smile.
Gloria Leizer
December 25, 2007
Her legacy will sustain all who knew her with hope for humanity.
Dr. Violet Vagramian-Nishanian
December 24, 2007
I fondly remember meeting Jane when we were both music students at the University of Miami. She was a wonderful, caring, and dedicated individual who loved the teaching profession. She was admired by her students, who she motivated to excel, and by her colleagues, as Jane was a person who was sincere. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her. May she rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
Dane Buxbaum
December 24, 2007
Jane was my theory teacher at MDCC back in '74-'75. I don't know that I ever had a more inspired and dedicated teacher in all my years of study. It was obvious that she had found her calling. I am sorry to hear of her passing and wish her loved ones my sincerest condolences.
Roy and Lynda Quesada-Fowler
December 24, 2007
Dear Richard,
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Jane's passing and our hearts go out to you. We loved Jane and especially treasured her warmth and terrific sense of humor. We enjoyed the times we got together with the two of you, sharing interests and lively conversation. We will always remember Jane with great affection. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Richard, for we know how much you love her. Roy and Lynda
Linda Byrd
December 24, 2007
I taught piano with Jane Pyle at MDCC for over 30 years, and considered her to be a good friend and mentor. She was indeed a class act, and had a passion for teaching that was extraordinary, and I was inspired by the example she set for excellence. The world is a poorer place without her.
Sincere condolences,
Linda Byrd
Janice Walter Roxby
December 24, 2007
Dear Valerie and Family,
I remember the Bell Witch stories Jane used to tell us when we were kids. She was the best storyteller and could always create a fright in us. I am sorry for your loss but Jane certainly touched my life and I remember her fondly.
Joyce & Charles Wood
December 24, 2007
Charles and I are very fortunate to have known Jane. She was a delightful, warm hearted and such an energetic lady. The world needs more people like YOUR Jane. We offer you our deepest sympathy and know that she is in good hands and no longer suffering. We have another angel watching over all of us.
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