JANE L. POWELL

Thinking of Jane today as I work in the garden. She attended to so many causes, touched so many lives. She continues to demonstrate to us how to give to our communities through our memories of her passion for life.

Today I was informed about the passing of a great woman. I was honored that she called me by name every time she saw me. Today, I am reminded that it is not always the loudest or most glamorous people who matter. Those who quietly do their life's work will influence the world. Jane was one of the richest and most powerful women I will ever know, and she still remembered the name of her dog's veterinary technician. Today I also learned how many others she influenced through her work at Frontier Nursing School which serviced birthing centers and midwives throughout rural Kentucky. I am grateful that I was able to know her and hope to keep the life lessons she taught me close to my heart always.

Jane Leigh was a wonderful lady. Some of my special memories include her on the back of my four wheeler as we climbed over the mountains of southeastern kentucky, visiting her plantation, going to a concert. My dear friend rest in peace.

Jane will not be forgotten, many are the lives she touched for the better, may she rest in peace in the grave, until God makes all things new and reward faithful one with life on a new earth

September 04, 2014

I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Jane Leigh Powell. I first met her while I was working for the School, in 1976, when the Board of Governors would meet at the Mary Breckinridge Hospital. They met across the hall from my office and many times I would run across the hall, tap on the window to let her know she had a phone call. After our move to the old hospital, on the hill, she would walk in the front door and say "Hi Jeanette" and continue on her way. What a gracious and warm, caring individual. She will be greatly missed by everyone that was privileged to know her.

I first met Jane when we both served on the BOD of the American Association of Birth Centers decades ago. Never would i have imagined then that i would later have the opportunity to spend time with her touring around Scotland with her at the helm of the vehicle (what a delight that was) and visiting her plantation in South Carolina. Jane was an amazing woman who contributed so much, to so many.

Jane Leigh was a blessing to the Frontier Nursing Service and to all the lives it has touched. She always kept us grounded and focused on our mission to care for mothers and babies. What an exemplary life in service to others she led.

Jane Leigh Powell will always be remembered by those of us involved with Frontier Nursing University, an outgrowth of the Frontier Nursing Service. She was a strong supporter of nurse-midwifery and our role in meeting the needs of rural and under-served women and families. Who will symbolically drink from the dipper from the West Fork at Graduation for FNU in October?!

Jane was a wonderful friend to many as well as a diligent supporter of the work of the Frontier Nursing Service and Frontier Nursing University. I will always remember our trip to Scotland with Leigh driving us around in a van. We had so much fun together that week. We will miss her presence and wise insights on our Board of Directors. It's very hard to say farewell to Jane Leigh. Sending warm and healing thoughts to her family.