In Memory of Jane Rowley
Content
Jane Rowley
Reflections on Her Life from the Culebra Community
December 2014
When I first moved to Culebra, 2 boys dropped off a puppy who was approximately 3 weeks old. I did not have
much experience with puppy's that small, so when she had what I thought was a seizure AWC recommended that I
bring her to Jane for her assessment. I did not know Jane, but she was very kind to see Leah that day.
It was obvious that she loved animals and she took the time to answer all of my questions and concerns. I left her
home feeling confident that Leah was healthy and I was doing a good job of caring for her.
I was grateful for Jane that day and will always remember her fondly.
Best,
Mary and Dave Wiedner
Met Jane almost 22 years ago when she and Judd still lived up on the hill across from Abby and Billy. Jane was like
the Doc Fred of the Vet world . Although officially "retired" she would never turn down any request for help with an
animal be it midnight ,on the side of the road, or any place or circumstance that required her incredible
expertise....And like my good friend Doc Fred (whom I will also never forget )Jane had lived long enough in the
tropics that she could improvise to the n'th degree, performing spay surgery on kitchen tables, taping up broken
limbs in the backseat of cars to delivering horse and cattle when the mother had problems out on the field in the
middle of the night. Jane came off sometimes as a tough bird but behind those pretty blue eyes was the soul of one
of the most caring people I have ever met. She touched the lives of a lot of us here in Culebra. May we always
remember! I know I will....Chris Goldmark
THE DAY ÑAPA WAS BORN
Lizette brought me Rai early in the morning, she was in labor. I picked her up and
placed her in the birthing spot I had prepared for her. True to her nature, she got
up vigorously barking at someone coming in, with the first pup hanging out. Diane
Simard promptly came when I called her. She had told me she had never seen a dog
give birth and wanted to be in Rai’s labor. So the two of us sit there watching, not
knowing what to do. We lost the first puppy… too big for such a tiny mom. So for
the second one Diane called Jane for help. I took Diane’s truck to bring her over,
difficult car to drive, a challenge. Of course, Jane’s faithful dogs followed us all the
way to my house, so it was a slow and desperate ride for me. Her dogs needed water,
they needed to be kept out of the house and quiet. Jane went in and immediately
pulled the pup out but it was too late, we lost the second one. I took Jane back home
with her dogs again tagging along all over town. But there was still another pup coming
and thanks to Jane’s lesson, Diane and Lizette pulled him out ALIVE! That is why my
dog’s name is Ñapa; it means that little extra you get when you buy a pound of rice, a
baker’s dozen, the encore of the show or when an angel comes and saves your life.
THANK YOU JANE!
Rosarito Morales
Picture Perfect Saturday
Negrito was a soft, night black cat that belonged to my
neighbour. We fell for each other the moment we’ve met. He loved
spending time in our house stretched on a cool tiles or crawled atop
the refrigerator when he needed some privacy. My neighbour asked if
I wanted to adopt Negrito.
No est possible, I said, I am leaving the island for several
months. But he’s lucky, he has two mamas and two homes. My
neighbour liked the idea. One day, Negrito came with an infected
paw. Someone mentioned Jane, retired veterinarian who might help. I
took Negrito in my arms and went to Jane’s house. She examined
him and said he needed antibiotics as soon as possible.
What should I do, there’s no pharmacy on the island, I said.
I have some powdered antibiotics made in India, that I bought
for my dogs. You can use that.
Negrito’s paw was better the next day, and the infection soon
gone. I was very grateful to Jane for saving his paw. That Saturday
morning, I went for my usual swim at Tamarindo beach. I saw Jane
with her dog. Wearing an elegant bathing suit, she strolled over to
me. Handing me a disposable camera, she asked for a picture with
the dog. I looked through the camera eye and pressed the button
I kept seeing Jane every Saturday morning at Tamarindo. She
would walk over, hand me the same camera and asked for a
photograph with her dog. I left and came back to the island, and
Saturday morning photo routine with Jane at the beach continued. I
learned that Jane’s dog fell in love with Maggie, a beautiful black and
white do-not-know-the breed-of-dog and that he now lives with a
human who takes care of him and Maggie. On Saturday morning, I
saw Jane alone at her usual time at the beach. She did not walk over.
We didn’t say hello nor goodbye. When I heard the sad news, I
thought of Jane. I wondered what happened to her disposable
camera and all the photos of her and her dog. Even if it got lost
somewhere, I have a vivid snapshot of her in my heart and mind.
Goodbye Jane and thank you. Helena Mesic
Memory of Jane Rowley
Jane was a friend of many years. A favorite memory is of when a mutual friend
of ours had a young colt, and it was desired that he be gelded. Jane had not
done this in her practice as she was a small animal Vet. But that didn’t mean
that she couldn’t, she just had to have some instructions and the needed tools.
So, Jane called a knowledgeable colleague to obtain what she required.
Very promptly, a heavy package arrived in the post office with the needed tools
and hand-written instructions. Along with the contents of the package, Jane
needed an able-bodied assistant: my tall, dark, handsome husband fit the bill.
On the mutually agreed upon day, mare, colt, owner, husband, Jane and I met at
a convenient, shady location suitable for where the operation could be
performed. My job was to re-read aloud the instructions, and keep the mare
calm.
All went very well, and we all lived happily ever after.
Remembering dedicated
island vet Jane Rowley
ON DECEMBER 12, 2014
Dec. 2014
By Pat Garber
Jane Rowley, 69, a veterinarian who had served Ocracoke for years, died peacefully in her sleep Oct.
31 in the home where she had retired in Culebra, Puerto Rico, in 2006
Jane was known to many Ocracokers, who took their pets to the old trailer on British Cemetery Road
that served as her veterinary clinic. Jane, who loved animals, nature and chess, had a practice and home
in Avon, and came to Ocracoke three days a week, regardless of the weather, said her friend Frances
Miller, who worked part time for Jane.
“Jane came across in small Coast Guard boats, bucking the wind and waves, determined to keep her
clinic open,” Frances said of Jane’s tenacity one time after a hurricane when the roads were closed and
there were no ferries running.
Jane, who was a wildlife rehabilitator, also was devoted to serving Ocracats, the island’s feral cat
neutering program, offering her services at nominal fees and caring for sick or injured feral cats for
free.
Brigetta Cromwell, a cat lover and friend of Jane’s who used to live here, remembers one time when
Jane arrived on the island to learn that Brigetta had trapped 28 feral cats for neutering. “There were 20
males and eight females,” Brigetta says. “I thought she would be mad, but she worked non-stop and did
them all in two days.”
Island artist Barbara Adams worked for Jane in exchange for veterinary care for Barb’s dogs.
“It was a special time” she reminisces, laughing about how she and Jane loved the old Dr. Who
television series.
Jane’s sister, Judy Wilburn, of Bluffton, SC, says that there will be a memorial service in Culebra on
Dec. 27.
Donations in Jane’s name can be made to the Humane Society of the U.S, or to Ocracats, P.O Box 993,
Ocracoke, NC 27960.
My wife Debbie and I have been coming to Culebra every March for 10 years. We met Jane early on in those visits.
We would go to Tamarindo Beach because it was quiet and peaceful. This, of course, was before the kayaks, SUP
and crowds of now. Jane and her dog Hound Dog would usually be there. Jane would be laying on a towel reading
a book and Hound Dog would be wandering around or napping in the sand. There Is a tree with lots of shade we
like to sit under, Jane was lying in the sun near there. I asked if she minded if we sat under the tree near her. Her
response, gruffly, was "Yeah, ok if you don't scream or make a lot noise". This was our first meeting. Soon, Hound
Dog came up and layed down beside us. Sweet dog. Later Jane came up and said "Well, you must be ok people
because Hound Dog doesn't like anybody and he likes you". Thus became our friendship. We found we had many
things in common. Before coming to Culebra for vacations, we use to go to Avon North Carolina, where Jane had a
veterinarian practice. We had friends in common there. We would sit on Tamarindo and talk until Jane would look
at her watch and say "I got to go, Dr Who is coming on soon and I don't want to miss it".
We only spent a few weeks each year with Jane, but she was a dear friend and we will miss her.
Rest in Peace, dear Jane.
David and Debbie Smith
Danville, VA
When Jane lived at Judd's she would help anyone who came to seek vet assistance, and helped me with humane
euthanasia of two beloved pets. I also called upon her to help with another pet years later. Without her help and
presence these dogs would have suffered much more. Jane, I know that you are taking care of all the animals on
the other side that you helped here in this lifetime. With that I feel comfort and hope that Jane's family feels the
same. Love, Teresa Tallevast
I'd heard a kitten mewling outside my window and went to see what was
going on. Apparently the Mama had abandoned her; she was sick and
unable to use her legs at all. I didn't know how I could really help
her and thought I'd take her down to my cart on the corner as Jane
came by every day and I knew she'd be able to give me a good opinion
of possible options.
After looking at the kitten, Jane told me that she'd have to be put
down, as whatever was wrong with her would not be healed. She went
home and got her supplies and came back to the cart to administer the
medication to the kitten. She took her time and let the kitten leave
this world as painlessly as possible and sat with me for awhile. Then
we wrapped the kitten up and Jane took her away to bury her for me,
which was a big thing to do.
It was sad but good, in the way of these things and I knew that we'd
done the best thing, but there is no way I could have done it without
Jane. Her compassion was as kindly healing for me as her competence
and care was for the kitten. I'll never forget that.
There are a lot of Jane stories, but this is always one of my
strongest memories of her. We'll always miss her.
MJ
Club Sandwiches Not Seals
This was the bumper sticker crookedly placed on Jane's
sun bleached red SUV among others that advocated for
individual freedoms and anti-war sentiments. If you knew
Jane, she was a sincere animal rights' advocate. And if you didn't
care for her dogs, well, that's where the conversation
ended. Jane was no phony -- you knew where you stood
with her. And I liked that very much, perhaps because I
knew Jane liked me. I admired her total independence. I
would often observe her taking her ritualistic walks into
town for her mail, and going to the community library to
discover a new book, or to chat about classical music, and
the latest biography she read. Predictably and sweetly, she
was always escorted by her dogs. If you saw Jane's dogs
in town, you knew she was not far behind.
One of Jane's greatest legacies to Culebra will be the
countless animals she cared for, and to the assistance she
gave to residents seeking advice and help for a wounded
or sick pet. Jane never asked for anything in return, her
compensation was simply knowing the animal would heal
and no longer hurt or suffer.
Jane was truly a one-of-kind gentle soul, and Culebra will
surely miss her. I know I will never forget her.
Lori Novis
Jane was always ready to help an animal in trouble. She didn't
know any other way to be. I can remember many instances of her
caring. Once a few years ago, a family from New Hampshire was
visiting Culebra for the first time. The mother was a very can-do
person who had helped rescue and place dogs, on her own, with
responsible loving forever families. By the fortune of amazing
timing, she offered to bring back 2 starving little puppies that had
been discovered the day before, wandering along the Tamarindo
shore. She was confident she could find good homes for them
(her husband was a veterinarian who was ready to assist with
medical check-ups, care, and adoptions once they got them
home.) The logistics of their travel however made it impossible for
them to get the requisite certificate of health from a Puerto Rican
vet before their departure. Then Jane stepped in. She offered to
examine the dogs herself, and suggested she could fill out the
certificates on the letterhead of her old practice in North Carolina.
Were her forms legitimate?? NO, because she had since retired.
But did she supply the VITAL missing link to getting the puppies
on their way to New Hampshire the next day? YES, and she
knew that stretching the red tape for this particular instance was
necessary to get the puppies on the way to a better life.
I always loved seeing Jane walking along Culebra's coral
shoreline with her dogs. This was a daily event for her and her
pets; she would stop and chat about this and that, as her dogs
nimbly explored and found tantalizing new smells, making friends
along the way.
Mary Keller
Nantucket, MA
I would like to say how truly happy Jane was feeling
the last time we spoke with one another.
She and Brad were at the library. Of course, Hound
Dog and Debbie were there, as well.
As I watched them all together, I was surprised
and delighted to see how animated Jane was
feeling. She was talkative, smiling and engaged.
That was the last day I saw her - the happiest I had
ever seen her... Mariel
Reflections on Her Life from the Culebra Community
December 2014
When I first moved to Culebra, 2 boys dropped off a puppy who was approximately 3 weeks old. I did not have
much experience with puppy's that small, so when she had what I thought was a seizure AWC recommended that I
bring her to Jane for her assessment. I did not know Jane, but she was very kind to see Leah that day.
It was obvious that she loved animals and she took the time to answer all of my questions and concerns. I left her
home feeling confident that Leah was healthy and I was doing a good job of caring for her.
I was grateful for Jane that day and will always remember her fondly.
Best,
Mary and Dave Wiedner
Met Jane almost 22 years ago when she and Judd still lived up on the hill across from Abby and Billy. Jane was like
the Doc Fred of the Vet world . Although officially "retired" she would never turn down any request for help with an
animal be it midnight ,on the side of the road, or any place or circumstance that required her incredible
expertise....And like my good friend Doc Fred (whom I will also never forget )Jane had lived long enough in the
tropics that she could improvise to the n'th degree, performing spay surgery on kitchen tables, taping up broken
limbs in the backseat of cars to delivering horse and cattle when the mother had problems out on the field in the
middle of the night. Jane came off sometimes as a tough bird but behind those pretty blue eyes was the soul of one
of the most caring people I have ever met. She touched the lives of a lot of us here in Culebra. May we always
remember! I know I will....Chris Goldmark
THE DAY ÑAPA WAS BORN
Lizette brought me Rai early in the morning, she was in labor. I picked her up and
placed her in the birthing spot I had prepared for her. True to her nature, she got
up vigorously barking at someone coming in, with the first pup hanging out. Diane
Simard promptly came when I called her. She had told me she had never seen a dog
give birth and wanted to be in Rai’s labor. So the two of us sit there watching, not
knowing what to do. We lost the first puppy… too big for such a tiny mom. So for
the second one Diane called Jane for help. I took Diane’s truck to bring her over,
difficult car to drive, a challenge. Of course, Jane’s faithful dogs followed us all the
way to my house, so it was a slow and desperate ride for me. Her dogs needed water,
they needed to be kept out of the house and quiet. Jane went in and immediately
pulled the pup out but it was too late, we lost the second one. I took Jane back home
with her dogs again tagging along all over town. But there was still another pup coming
and thanks to Jane’s lesson, Diane and Lizette pulled him out ALIVE! That is why my
dog’s name is Ñapa; it means that little extra you get when you buy a pound of rice, a
baker’s dozen, the encore of the show or when an angel comes and saves your life.
THANK YOU JANE!
Rosarito Morales
Picture Perfect Saturday
Negrito was a soft, night black cat that belonged to my
neighbour. We fell for each other the moment we’ve met. He loved
spending time in our house stretched on a cool tiles or crawled atop
the refrigerator when he needed some privacy. My neighbour asked if
I wanted to adopt Negrito.
No est possible, I said, I am leaving the island for several
months. But he’s lucky, he has two mamas and two homes. My
neighbour liked the idea. One day, Negrito came with an infected
paw. Someone mentioned Jane, retired veterinarian who might help. I
took Negrito in my arms and went to Jane’s house. She examined
him and said he needed antibiotics as soon as possible.
What should I do, there’s no pharmacy on the island, I said.
I have some powdered antibiotics made in India, that I bought
for my dogs. You can use that.
Negrito’s paw was better the next day, and the infection soon
gone. I was very grateful to Jane for saving his paw. That Saturday
morning, I went for my usual swim at Tamarindo beach. I saw Jane
with her dog. Wearing an elegant bathing suit, she strolled over to
me. Handing me a disposable camera, she asked for a picture with
the dog. I looked through the camera eye and pressed the button
I kept seeing Jane every Saturday morning at Tamarindo. She
would walk over, hand me the same camera and asked for a
photograph with her dog. I left and came back to the island, and
Saturday morning photo routine with Jane at the beach continued. I
learned that Jane’s dog fell in love with Maggie, a beautiful black and
white do-not-know-the breed-of-dog and that he now lives with a
human who takes care of him and Maggie. On Saturday morning, I
saw Jane alone at her usual time at the beach. She did not walk over.
We didn’t say hello nor goodbye. When I heard the sad news, I
thought of Jane. I wondered what happened to her disposable
camera and all the photos of her and her dog. Even if it got lost
somewhere, I have a vivid snapshot of her in my heart and mind.
Goodbye Jane and thank you. Helena Mesic
Memory of Jane Rowley
Jane was a friend of many years. A favorite memory is of when a mutual friend
of ours had a young colt, and it was desired that he be gelded. Jane had not
done this in her practice as she was a small animal Vet. But that didn’t mean
that she couldn’t, she just had to have some instructions and the needed tools.
So, Jane called a knowledgeable colleague to obtain what she required.
Very promptly, a heavy package arrived in the post office with the needed tools
and hand-written instructions. Along with the contents of the package, Jane
needed an able-bodied assistant: my tall, dark, handsome husband fit the bill.
On the mutually agreed upon day, mare, colt, owner, husband, Jane and I met at
a convenient, shady location suitable for where the operation could be
performed. My job was to re-read aloud the instructions, and keep the mare
calm.
All went very well, and we all lived happily ever after.
Remembering dedicated
island vet Jane Rowley
ON DECEMBER 12, 2014
Dec. 2014
By Pat Garber
Jane Rowley, 69, a veterinarian who had served Ocracoke for years, died peacefully in her sleep Oct.
31 in the home where she had retired in Culebra, Puerto Rico, in 2006
Jane was known to many Ocracokers, who took their pets to the old trailer on British Cemetery Road
that served as her veterinary clinic. Jane, who loved animals, nature and chess, had a practice and home
in Avon, and came to Ocracoke three days a week, regardless of the weather, said her friend Frances
Miller, who worked part time for Jane.
“Jane came across in small Coast Guard boats, bucking the wind and waves, determined to keep her
clinic open,” Frances said of Jane’s tenacity one time after a hurricane when the roads were closed and
there were no ferries running.
Jane, who was a wildlife rehabilitator, also was devoted to serving Ocracats, the island’s feral cat
neutering program, offering her services at nominal fees and caring for sick or injured feral cats for
free.
Brigetta Cromwell, a cat lover and friend of Jane’s who used to live here, remembers one time when
Jane arrived on the island to learn that Brigetta had trapped 28 feral cats for neutering. “There were 20
males and eight females,” Brigetta says. “I thought she would be mad, but she worked non-stop and did
them all in two days.”
Island artist Barbara Adams worked for Jane in exchange for veterinary care for Barb’s dogs.
“It was a special time” she reminisces, laughing about how she and Jane loved the old Dr. Who
television series.
Jane’s sister, Judy Wilburn, of Bluffton, SC, says that there will be a memorial service in Culebra on
Dec. 27.
Donations in Jane’s name can be made to the Humane Society of the U.S, or to Ocracats, P.O Box 993,
Ocracoke, NC 27960.
My wife Debbie and I have been coming to Culebra every March for 10 years. We met Jane early on in those visits.
We would go to Tamarindo Beach because it was quiet and peaceful. This, of course, was before the kayaks, SUP
and crowds of now. Jane and her dog Hound Dog would usually be there. Jane would be laying on a towel reading
a book and Hound Dog would be wandering around or napping in the sand. There Is a tree with lots of shade we
like to sit under, Jane was lying in the sun near there. I asked if she minded if we sat under the tree near her. Her
response, gruffly, was "Yeah, ok if you don't scream or make a lot noise". This was our first meeting. Soon, Hound
Dog came up and layed down beside us. Sweet dog. Later Jane came up and said "Well, you must be ok people
because Hound Dog doesn't like anybody and he likes you". Thus became our friendship. We found we had many
things in common. Before coming to Culebra for vacations, we use to go to Avon North Carolina, where Jane had a
veterinarian practice. We had friends in common there. We would sit on Tamarindo and talk until Jane would look
at her watch and say "I got to go, Dr Who is coming on soon and I don't want to miss it".
We only spent a few weeks each year with Jane, but she was a dear friend and we will miss her.
Rest in Peace, dear Jane.
David and Debbie Smith
Danville, VA
When Jane lived at Judd's she would help anyone who came to seek vet assistance, and helped me with humane
euthanasia of two beloved pets. I also called upon her to help with another pet years later. Without her help and
presence these dogs would have suffered much more. Jane, I know that you are taking care of all the animals on
the other side that you helped here in this lifetime. With that I feel comfort and hope that Jane's family feels the
same. Love, Teresa Tallevast
I'd heard a kitten mewling outside my window and went to see what was
going on. Apparently the Mama had abandoned her; she was sick and
unable to use her legs at all. I didn't know how I could really help
her and thought I'd take her down to my cart on the corner as Jane
came by every day and I knew she'd be able to give me a good opinion
of possible options.
After looking at the kitten, Jane told me that she'd have to be put
down, as whatever was wrong with her would not be healed. She went
home and got her supplies and came back to the cart to administer the
medication to the kitten. She took her time and let the kitten leave
this world as painlessly as possible and sat with me for awhile. Then
we wrapped the kitten up and Jane took her away to bury her for me,
which was a big thing to do.
It was sad but good, in the way of these things and I knew that we'd
done the best thing, but there is no way I could have done it without
Jane. Her compassion was as kindly healing for me as her competence
and care was for the kitten. I'll never forget that.
There are a lot of Jane stories, but this is always one of my
strongest memories of her. We'll always miss her.
MJ
Club Sandwiches Not Seals
This was the bumper sticker crookedly placed on Jane's
sun bleached red SUV among others that advocated for
individual freedoms and anti-war sentiments. If you knew
Jane, she was a sincere animal rights' advocate. And if you didn't
care for her dogs, well, that's where the conversation
ended. Jane was no phony -- you knew where you stood
with her. And I liked that very much, perhaps because I
knew Jane liked me. I admired her total independence. I
would often observe her taking her ritualistic walks into
town for her mail, and going to the community library to
discover a new book, or to chat about classical music, and
the latest biography she read. Predictably and sweetly, she
was always escorted by her dogs. If you saw Jane's dogs
in town, you knew she was not far behind.
One of Jane's greatest legacies to Culebra will be the
countless animals she cared for, and to the assistance she
gave to residents seeking advice and help for a wounded
or sick pet. Jane never asked for anything in return, her
compensation was simply knowing the animal would heal
and no longer hurt or suffer.
Jane was truly a one-of-kind gentle soul, and Culebra will
surely miss her. I know I will never forget her.
Lori Novis
Jane was always ready to help an animal in trouble. She didn't
know any other way to be. I can remember many instances of her
caring. Once a few years ago, a family from New Hampshire was
visiting Culebra for the first time. The mother was a very can-do
person who had helped rescue and place dogs, on her own, with
responsible loving forever families. By the fortune of amazing
timing, she offered to bring back 2 starving little puppies that had
been discovered the day before, wandering along the Tamarindo
shore. She was confident she could find good homes for them
(her husband was a veterinarian who was ready to assist with
medical check-ups, care, and adoptions once they got them
home.) The logistics of their travel however made it impossible for
them to get the requisite certificate of health from a Puerto Rican
vet before their departure. Then Jane stepped in. She offered to
examine the dogs herself, and suggested she could fill out the
certificates on the letterhead of her old practice in North Carolina.
Were her forms legitimate?? NO, because she had since retired.
But did she supply the VITAL missing link to getting the puppies
on their way to New Hampshire the next day? YES, and she
knew that stretching the red tape for this particular instance was
necessary to get the puppies on the way to a better life.
I always loved seeing Jane walking along Culebra's coral
shoreline with her dogs. This was a daily event for her and her
pets; she would stop and chat about this and that, as her dogs
nimbly explored and found tantalizing new smells, making friends
along the way.
Mary Keller
Nantucket, MA
I would like to say how truly happy Jane was feeling
the last time we spoke with one another.
She and Brad were at the library. Of course, Hound
Dog and Debbie were there, as well.
As I watched them all together, I was surprised
and delighted to see how animated Jane was
feeling. She was talkative, smiling and engaged.
That was the last day I saw her - the happiest I had
ever seen her... Mariel
