Jane Herman Sayre

Jane Herman Sayre of Churchville, MD, died peacefully November 4, 2011 at Hart Heritage Estates from complications of Alzheimer's disease. She was 80, and is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lawrason Riggs Sayre, and their children: son Lawrason R. Jr. and his wife Betsy, daughter Nancy Ann and her husband Michael McGuirk, daughter Sally and her husband Donald Carnohan, son Edwin (Ned) Herman and his wife Michelle. She was the loving grandmother of Zachary, Michael, Annie, Margaret, and Tyler. She is also survived by her sister Sally Stump and her husband John of Bel Air.

Born Alice Jane Herman in Harrisburg, PA to Alice Scollon and Edwin Stanton Herman, Jane grew up in Harrisburg, and attended Hood College as a member of the Class of 1953. She and Lawrason were married in 1953 and lived in PA and NJ until they purchased their beloved Waffle Hill Farm in 1960. The transplanted city girl adapted quickly to farm life, taking an active role as tractor driver, cattle herder and nursemaid to chilled calves on the living room hearth. She also took over the farm's egg route as well as managing freezer beef sales for the Angus herd.

Jane was an active 4-H leader for twenty years with the Lady Bugs club, the kitchen at the Rocks Camp and the county fair. Known more often as Aunt Janie than Mrs. Sayre, she also organized meals and provided motherly encouragement in many forms at countless horse and cattle shows and Pony Club events. She was very active in the MD Angus Women's Club, serving as President and Scholarship chair.
Jane dedicated much of her time to the Harford Day School and she was a constant presence even after all her children had graduated. She served as a Trustee and President of the Board for the school. Jane was a communicant at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, active as a member and President of the Women's committee, helped keep the church beautiful through her work on the Altar Guild, and managed the FISH closet to help those in need. She helped lead a project to create a set of needlepoint kneelers and seats for the altar, and they remain as a lasting tribute to her faith and love.

Beyond all of her activities outside the farm, Jane's primary devotion was to home and family. She took great pride in and was noted for her extensive vegetable and flower gardens. These in turn provided for her delicious jams, jellies and other treats. She was a wonderful baker, talented cook, and gracious hostess, so no one ever left her table wanting for good food or company. Jane was a skilled seamstress and knitter, with her scarves, hats and especially mittens keeping family and friends warmed with her love. She loved weaving baskets and, as with her other crafts, she blended her artistic touch with a practical eye.

Jane was a loving wife, devoted mother, caring friend and generous soul. She never sought the spotlight but was always present and led by example. Through family, farm and friends she touched many lives and will be remembered as a lady of gentle grace and quiet strength.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Trinity Church (2929 Level Road, Churchville, MD 21028) or Harford Day School (715 Moores Mill Road, Bel Air, MD 21014).