Hello people –
Some of you who were around in the old Wild West days of the LC newsgroup and/or who attended the Montreal 2000 Leonard Cohen Event may remember Anne Jayne, fondly referred to as Pax Anne for her habit of signing her posts “Pax, Anne.” I am sorry to report that she died on November 19.
Anne was one of the organizers of that first event. She was an extraordinary person with many interests and achievements, steadfastly committed to causes of peace and justice. Wise, kind, and generous, with a keen intellect and a wonderful sense of humor.
She and I met online first, then in person in Montreal. We had a great rapport from the beginning and she became one of my closest and most treasured friends. I will miss her for the rest of my life, but I am so thankful to have known her.
Here’s a link to her obituary, beautifully written by her son Justin. https://www.choicememorial.com/obituari ... d=33875073
RIP, Anne (Reincarnate In Peace). I’ll see you next time around.
Elizabeth H.
Anne Jayne has passed away
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Elizabeelzebubeth
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:30 am
- Location: The fiery green mountains
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Elizabeelzebubeth
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:30 am
- Location: The fiery green mountains
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Here is the text of her obituary:
Anne Jayne
June 6, 1947 – November 19, 2024
Anne Jayne passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta, after a brief illness. Her son, Justin, was at her side, reading to her from the mystery novels she loved as the music of Leonard Cohen played softly in the background.
Born on June 6, 1947, at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., Anne was the daughter of Harriet (née McGlocklin) and Henry Jayne, and the younger sister of Steven Jayne. As a child, Anne’s family moved frequently due to her father’s service in the U.S. Air Force, but her most vivid childhood memories were from the years spent on Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana. In 1961, her family settled in Newport News, Virginia, where Anne excelled in academics and carried on the family tradition of excellence in marksmanship, winning state and regional championships in smallbore rifle shooting.
Anne’s love of learning earned her a full-ride scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she graduated with high honors, earning a B.A. in Liberal Arts with Distinction in Sociology, followed by an M.A. in Sociology, all within the four years allocated by her scholarship. While at UIUC, she met Ralph Premdas, a Ph.D. student from Guyana. They married in 1967 and moved to Berkeley, California, in 1970, where Anne pursued a J.D. at Boalt Hall School of Law. Her graduation was delayed by the birth of their son, Justin, but she completed her degree and passed the California bar in 1974.
In 1975, Anne, Ralph, and Justin moved across the world, where she and Ralph joined the faculty at the University of Papua New Guinea. Anne became an advocate for Papua New Guinean women, particularly the first generation of women admitted to UPNG. In a 1977 article, she critiqued systemic inequalities and offered a fiery call for justice, challenging readers to listen to the voices of oppressed women. Her activism and writing from this period reflected her lifelong belief in grassroots engagement to achieve meaningful social change.
After separating from Ralph, Anne relocated with Justin to Guam, where she was admitted to the bar, and then to Calgary, Alberta, in 1980. In Calgary, she undertook an appointment as a professor of Human Rights Law at the University of Calgary, specializing in the rights of refugee children. She later became the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, where she tirelessly championed immigrant and refugee rights. There, she found particular meaning helping survivors of torture overcome past trauma and find safe harbor in Canada. Anne also served on the board of the Canadian chapter of Amnesty International, contributing to her lifelong mission of advancing human rights.
Anne and Justin shared a love of knowledge and competition, exemplified by their participation in Calgary’s radio trivia contests before the internet era. They would dive into encyclopedias and reference books to answer questions, often emerging victorious as a team.
Anne’s intellectual rigor and moral clarity shone through her work and her life. She co-authored influential papers advocating for a justice-oriented approach to evidence and legal procedures, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and practical solutions over rigid adherence to tradition. Her commitment to peace and social justice animated her and led to many spirited conversations, in particular with her son and brother, Steven.
In retirement, Anne focused her advocacy on the realms of intellectual freedom and environmental justice. She volunteered annually for Calgary’s Freedom to Read Week and wrote extensively on censorship issues, including critiques of Alberta’s laws limiting classroom discussions of sexual orientation and university policies on social media. Her nuanced articles called for balancing competing rights through thoughtful dialogue and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression as a cornerstone of democracy.
Anne also reawakened her love of travel in retirement, making solo expeditions to Europe well into her seventies. She became deeply involved in the Leonard Cohen fan community, helping to organize the inaugural Leonard Cohen Event in Montreal in 2000, which drew participants from around the world and established a tradition of biennial gatherings.
A lifelong pacifist, Anne found comfort in the teachings of the Quakers and Tibetan Buddhism, embracing paths that championed peace and individual dignity. She also adopted a vegan lifestyle, driven by her ethical convictions.
Anne’s later years were enriched by her love for the music of Leonard Cohen, her work at the Owl’s Nest bookstore, and her passion for literature. She maintained a vast personal library, wrote fiction, completed a second B.A. in English from the University of Calgary, and was beginning a third in cultural anthropology before the pandemic interrupted her studies. As a grandmother, she adored sharing her love of books and solving puzzles with her grandchildren, Thea and Amos, and found immense joy in their company.
Anne is survived by her son, Justin; her daughter-in-law, Kelly; her brother, Steven; and her beloved grandchildren, Thea and Amos. She leaves behind a legacy of fierce intellect, fearless advocacy, and an unyielding commitment to justice that touched countless lives and will inspire all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Canadian Friends Service Committee, whose work in peace and social justice were the causes Anne dedicated her life to advancing.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Anne with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Anne Jayne, please visit our Tree Store.
Anne Jayne
June 6, 1947 – November 19, 2024
Anne Jayne passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta, after a brief illness. Her son, Justin, was at her side, reading to her from the mystery novels she loved as the music of Leonard Cohen played softly in the background.
Born on June 6, 1947, at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., Anne was the daughter of Harriet (née McGlocklin) and Henry Jayne, and the younger sister of Steven Jayne. As a child, Anne’s family moved frequently due to her father’s service in the U.S. Air Force, but her most vivid childhood memories were from the years spent on Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana. In 1961, her family settled in Newport News, Virginia, where Anne excelled in academics and carried on the family tradition of excellence in marksmanship, winning state and regional championships in smallbore rifle shooting.
Anne’s love of learning earned her a full-ride scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she graduated with high honors, earning a B.A. in Liberal Arts with Distinction in Sociology, followed by an M.A. in Sociology, all within the four years allocated by her scholarship. While at UIUC, she met Ralph Premdas, a Ph.D. student from Guyana. They married in 1967 and moved to Berkeley, California, in 1970, where Anne pursued a J.D. at Boalt Hall School of Law. Her graduation was delayed by the birth of their son, Justin, but she completed her degree and passed the California bar in 1974.
In 1975, Anne, Ralph, and Justin moved across the world, where she and Ralph joined the faculty at the University of Papua New Guinea. Anne became an advocate for Papua New Guinean women, particularly the first generation of women admitted to UPNG. In a 1977 article, she critiqued systemic inequalities and offered a fiery call for justice, challenging readers to listen to the voices of oppressed women. Her activism and writing from this period reflected her lifelong belief in grassroots engagement to achieve meaningful social change.
After separating from Ralph, Anne relocated with Justin to Guam, where she was admitted to the bar, and then to Calgary, Alberta, in 1980. In Calgary, she undertook an appointment as a professor of Human Rights Law at the University of Calgary, specializing in the rights of refugee children. She later became the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, where she tirelessly championed immigrant and refugee rights. There, she found particular meaning helping survivors of torture overcome past trauma and find safe harbor in Canada. Anne also served on the board of the Canadian chapter of Amnesty International, contributing to her lifelong mission of advancing human rights.
Anne and Justin shared a love of knowledge and competition, exemplified by their participation in Calgary’s radio trivia contests before the internet era. They would dive into encyclopedias and reference books to answer questions, often emerging victorious as a team.
Anne’s intellectual rigor and moral clarity shone through her work and her life. She co-authored influential papers advocating for a justice-oriented approach to evidence and legal procedures, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and practical solutions over rigid adherence to tradition. Her commitment to peace and social justice animated her and led to many spirited conversations, in particular with her son and brother, Steven.
In retirement, Anne focused her advocacy on the realms of intellectual freedom and environmental justice. She volunteered annually for Calgary’s Freedom to Read Week and wrote extensively on censorship issues, including critiques of Alberta’s laws limiting classroom discussions of sexual orientation and university policies on social media. Her nuanced articles called for balancing competing rights through thoughtful dialogue and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression as a cornerstone of democracy.
Anne also reawakened her love of travel in retirement, making solo expeditions to Europe well into her seventies. She became deeply involved in the Leonard Cohen fan community, helping to organize the inaugural Leonard Cohen Event in Montreal in 2000, which drew participants from around the world and established a tradition of biennial gatherings.
A lifelong pacifist, Anne found comfort in the teachings of the Quakers and Tibetan Buddhism, embracing paths that championed peace and individual dignity. She also adopted a vegan lifestyle, driven by her ethical convictions.
Anne’s later years were enriched by her love for the music of Leonard Cohen, her work at the Owl’s Nest bookstore, and her passion for literature. She maintained a vast personal library, wrote fiction, completed a second B.A. in English from the University of Calgary, and was beginning a third in cultural anthropology before the pandemic interrupted her studies. As a grandmother, she adored sharing her love of books and solving puzzles with her grandchildren, Thea and Amos, and found immense joy in their company.
Anne is survived by her son, Justin; her daughter-in-law, Kelly; her brother, Steven; and her beloved grandchildren, Thea and Amos. She leaves behind a legacy of fierce intellect, fearless advocacy, and an unyielding commitment to justice that touched countless lives and will inspire all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Canadian Friends Service Committee, whose work in peace and social justice were the causes Anne dedicated her life to advancing.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Anne with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Anne Jayne, please visit our Tree Store.
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
So sorry to hear of Anne's passing. I remember her from the old newsgroup days and send my condolences to her family and friends. She made the world a better place and her compassion came through in her works. You were so lucky to have had her as your friend - a beautiful being. Pax.
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Elizabeelzebubeth
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:30 am
- Location: The fiery green mountains
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Thank you so much for the kind words, Dar. Anne really did make the world a better place and I feel very lucky to have had her as a friend for 25 years. I'm glad you remember her. I remember you from the newsgroup as well. I think we still have some friends in common. Pax unto you!
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Oh, no! So sorry to hear this. My condolences to her son and to her brother and extended family.
Pax Anne was one of the brightest lights and most brilliant intellectuals in the old Newsgroup. It was a privilege to have known her, although I can't say I knew much specifically about her many illustrious life's accomplishments, which the Archangel (hello!) has generously furnished here, and as noted in Anne's obituary. That Anne was a tireless champion for human rights and in the peace movement, active in Amnesty International and the Quakers, is not at all surprising. All this was apparent in who she was, and the generous manner in which she interacted with everyone. But this tidbit in her obit in particular is a bit surprising, and made me chuckle:
She carried on the family tradition of excellence in marksmanship, winning state and regional championships in smallbore rifle shooting.
Upon reading that, I can't help thinking, it's s a good thing Geoffrey didn't use the c-word a second time.
What a wonderful, strong, kind, magnificent human being Anne was-- and is, and shall be, forevermore, in our hearts.
Pax Anne was one of the brightest lights and most brilliant intellectuals in the old Newsgroup. It was a privilege to have known her, although I can't say I knew much specifically about her many illustrious life's accomplishments, which the Archangel (hello!) has generously furnished here, and as noted in Anne's obituary. That Anne was a tireless champion for human rights and in the peace movement, active in Amnesty International and the Quakers, is not at all surprising. All this was apparent in who she was, and the generous manner in which she interacted with everyone. But this tidbit in her obit in particular is a bit surprising, and made me chuckle:
She carried on the family tradition of excellence in marksmanship, winning state and regional championships in smallbore rifle shooting.
Upon reading that, I can't help thinking, it's s a good thing Geoffrey didn't use the c-word a second time.
What a wonderful, strong, kind, magnificent human being Anne was-- and is, and shall be, forevermore, in our hearts.
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Squidgy wrote:
>I can't help thinking, it's s a good thing Geoffrey didn't use the c-word a second time.
hello squidgy. you have a good memory, better than mine
>I can't help thinking, it's s a good thing Geoffrey didn't use the c-word a second time.
hello squidgy. you have a good memory, better than mine
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Hello Geoffrey,
I am the internet. I remember everything
Mostly good stuff, when it comes to you. Those Newsgroup days were especially memorable, though, weren't they? .
Glad you're still around. And Elizabeth, and Dar.
Sigh! We're all getting a bit long in the tooth. Somebody (not me!) perhaps should start a thread: Let's Write Our Own Leonard Cohen Epitaph. Hillarity would ensue.
I'm thinking about Joe Way and his family, after the tragedy in Madison. I've kept in touch sporadically with Gypsy Wife.
Much love to you, Geoffrey, Jarkko and everyone.
I am the internet. I remember everything
Mostly good stuff, when it comes to you. Those Newsgroup days were especially memorable, though, weren't they? . Glad you're still around. And Elizabeth, and Dar.
Sigh! We're all getting a bit long in the tooth. Somebody (not me!) perhaps should start a thread: Let's Write Our Own Leonard Cohen Epitaph. Hillarity would ensue.
I'm thinking about Joe Way and his family, after the tragedy in Madison. I've kept in touch sporadically with Gypsy Wife.
Much love to you, Geoffrey, Jarkko and everyone.
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Elizabeelzebubeth
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:30 am
- Location: The fiery green mountains
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
St. Squidgy! I am very glad that you materialized and that you remember Anne so well from the newsgroup. Thank you for taking the time to express everything you expressed, so eloquently.
I knew probably two-thirds of the biographical details mentioned in the obituary, but when I read about her skill with a rifle I went "WHAT?!?!?!" And started laughing like a hyena. Pax Anne with a rifle??? I am still having trouble imagining it.
I hope you are well, Squidgy, and continuing to keep good watch over the window washers.
Elizabeelzebubeth xo
I knew probably two-thirds of the biographical details mentioned in the obituary, but when I read about her skill with a rifle I went "WHAT?!?!?!" And started laughing like a hyena. Pax Anne with a rifle??? I am still having trouble imagining it.
I hope you are well, Squidgy, and continuing to keep good watch over the window washers.
Elizabeelzebubeth xo
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Elizabeelzebubeth!!
Firstly, I hope I spelled you correctly!!
Secondly, there are no words, eloquent or clumsy, adequate to express how much you have been missed. So good to hear from you, and to know that you've been taking such loving care of our little extended family-- Babz and Pax Anne, Lazariuk, and all.
May you continue to shine on brightly, dear Elizabeth, and here's hoping that one day you and I and Dar and Snow might actually meet in this life, before we shed this mortal coil.
We'd better hurry.
Love, Squidgy
Firstly, I hope I spelled you correctly!!
Secondly, there are no words, eloquent or clumsy, adequate to express how much you have been missed. So good to hear from you, and to know that you've been taking such loving care of our little extended family-- Babz and Pax Anne, Lazariuk, and all.
May you continue to shine on brightly, dear Elizabeth, and here's hoping that one day you and I and Dar and Snow might actually meet in this life, before we shed this mortal coil.
We'd better hurry.
Love, Squidgy
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Elizabeelzebubeth
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:30 am
- Location: The fiery green mountains
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Dear Squidgy –
Very very VERY belated thanks for your kind and lovely message! I am deeply touched.
It's sobering to think how many of the old gang have departed this life. Sigh.
I wish you could have been at that first Montreal gathering, but maybe we'll manage to meet up in person someday. In the meantime I'll try to poke my nose in here occasionally...
Take care & be well.
Love, Elizabeelzebubeth
Very very VERY belated thanks for your kind and lovely message! I am deeply touched.
It's sobering to think how many of the old gang have departed this life. Sigh.
I wish you could have been at that first Montreal gathering, but maybe we'll manage to meet up in person someday. In the meantime I'll try to poke my nose in here occasionally...
Take care & be well.
Love, Elizabeelzebubeth
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Elizabeelzebubeth
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:30 am
- Location: The fiery green mountains
Re: Anne Jayne has passed away
Such an overflowing life of so much sheer goodness. A worthwhile life well lived is clearly a massive understatement when describing the life of Pax Anne.
My condolences to all who knew and loved her. May she Rest In Peace.
My condolences to all who knew and loved her. May she Rest In Peace.
"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."
~ Oscar Wilde
~ Oscar Wilde