Jane Vickrey, who served for many years on the SEF Board and was a great volunteer and representative of the Special Education Foundation. She sadly passed away peacefully on June 2, 2024.
Jane loved her country deeply and has been involved in government and community since the earliest days of her working career. Whatever Jane did, whether it was decorating a float for homecoming, chairing a department meeting or planning a Special Ed Field Trip, Jane wanted it to be “the best ever!” She put in the hours to make it happen.
Jane intended, always, to put more back than she took out. Those who know her best know she met that standard and more.
Jane was a leader in all endeavors. Her working career spanned more than 25 years. She spent 16 Years in St Louis County Government during the McNary and Milford Administrations. She began The St Louis County Older Resident Program (CORP) in November of ’75 and it flourished under Jane’s leadership until October of 1984 when County Executive McNary asked Jane to head up the Department of Human Resources as its Director.
Jane left SLCO Government in March of 1991 at the conclusion the Milford Administration. Subsequently, she held leadership positions at the St Louis Alzheimer’s Association and Talking Tapes.
Over the years, Jane has served on a long list of boards and committees benefitting the St Louis Metro Region including the Board of Directors of the mid-East Area Agency on Aging and the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council and more. Her service has been recognized by selection as a Leadership St Louis participant in 1986-87 and as a delegate to the White House conference on Aging in 1981.
Jane continued her strong belief in giving back to the community and on retiring Jane became a member of the Special Education Foundation Board of Directors, where she served as board secretary. She also served as the Board liaison to the Board's Fred Saigh Leadership Program which entailed her monthly participation in all leadership activities. She was also on the Foundation’s Women Leaders group, where she assumed a leadership role.
As a Foundation Board member, she also participated on the annual golf tournament committee, program committee and events committee. She and her husband, Tom, were given an award for their generosity and involvement. Jane was an active spokesperson and fundraiser who gave generously of her time, talents and resources to SEF.
The photos above are of Jane with Ann DiFranco at a 2019 SEF Women Leaders event, Jane with Mary Steinau at a 2015 event for the Women Leaders, and with her husband Tom in 2012 at an SEF event.
Jane is survived by her loving husband, Tom, who was the love of her life and who adored her for over 65 years, and her loving daughter, Katherine V. McGinley, her daughter-in-law, Jenny Vickrey, three grandsons, and one granddaughter. Her son, Stephen, passed away in 2019.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Jane may be sent to Special Education Foundation, 11933 Westline Industrial Drive, St Louis, MO 63146 or
sef-stl.org, also Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 9321 Litzsinger Road, Brentwood, MO 63144 or mtcalvarylcms.org or the charity of your choice.
