Jane Anastasia Walker Furhman, 56, died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease Saturday, March 3, 2007.
Jane suffered tragic losses as a young adult; the sudden death of her mother, Helen Jane Hooker Walker; and her brother, Bryan; followed by the loss of her father, Francis Xavier Walker (nephew of New York City Mayor "Jimmy" Walker); and her brother, Joseph "Joey." Jane grew up in Falls Church, Va., graduating in 1968 from Falls Church High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and voted "Most Likely to Succeed." She was a standout student in Social Studies, English, and French. She attended Butler University in Indiana to study dance before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was president of the Alexandrian Society, earning a B.A. with honors in history in 1973. She earned a master’s degree in education from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Jane taught at Powhatan Middle School, 1977-78, and Chandler Middle School in Richmond. She began a career in computer programming and was retired from the Virginia Department of Taxation. Her volunteer activities include being a tutor for adult literacy, serving on the Vestry Board at St. Bart’s Church, and the hospice program at St. Mary’s hospital. Jane held a life-long interest in folk dance and ballet, performing in the Richmond Ballet’s 1983 production of the Nutcracker.
On Saturday, March 10, at 3 p.m., a memorial service will be held in St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 10627 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va. Burial will be at the Church Columbarium and a reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jane’s honor to St. Bartholomew’s Church, P.O. Box 29626, Richmond Va. 23241, or the Richmond Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, Va. 23060.
