Jane Schroeder Dance

Jane Dance passed away unexpectedly on Friday July 29th, on the eve of her 87th birthday. She was born on a farm in Fertile, Minnesota, married and lived in Shreveport, LA for nearly 20 years having five children. Life brought her and family to Port Isabel, Texas in 1977 where she managed a motel owned by her brother Jon. The valley was now home, and Jane transformed the motel into a small Eden with her green thumb. Life at the motel meant Jane was available for anyone to stop in for coffee and a chat. And so many did. Countless cups of Folgers and stories were shared with her in that motel kitchen. And from the windows in that un-airconditioned kitchen, that opened right onto Hwy 100, Jane experienced Port Isabel in a unique and intimate way. Kids walking to school, or football games, bored teenagers driving by, friends running errands… they all passed that kitchen window where she was washing dishes or working on dinner. Jane came to know and love so many of them, making friends that she kept for life. Jane was an integral part of the Methodist church in Port Isabel, and was critically involved with its garage sales, food pantry, and missions work into Matamoros. It was also in Port Isabel that she lost a son and many years later her mother.

In 2011 Jane moved to central Texas where three of her children and many grandchildren still live. It was a incredible blessing to be near family and a part of our next generation as they moved through the milestones in life. In Georgetown and Austin, Jane brought her green thumb with her, and there were continuous conversations with family and neighbors on native plants, organic gardening and recycling. Without fail, Jane could be found toiling in her garden each morning, until the Texas heat would vanquish her back indoors, where then would often be the beginnings of the most enjoyable meals. Mom had a love for all things cast iron, and which ever group of family was near her when she cooked – we had the delectable benefit of her southern culinary creations. Her northern roots were not forgotten, and together three generations would often partake in the time honored family tradition of making lefse, molassas cookies, or her mothers donut recipe.

While her passing was sudden and she is missed incredibly, we are all grateful to God for his presence in her life, of our time with Mom, and the legacy she has left; A reverence for God and family, an appreciation of a hard days work, and the remembrance of an era when things just seemed better.

She is preceded in death by her son Walter H. Dance and brother Jon Schroeder. She is survived by her four children: Janet Dance of Freeport, FL, Claude Dance (Leealice) of Dripping Springs, TX, Gwen Stroud (Gary) of Austin, TX, Daniel Dance (Christie) of Georgetown, TX, her cherished sisters Gwen Vasenden of Reno, NV, Diane Dunn (Chuck) of Spirit Lake, IA, sister in law Ann Schroeder of Laguna Vista, TX, and her adored grandchildren Harrison Dance, Alexander Dance, Spencer Dance, Walter M. Dance, Greta Jane Stroud, Sidone Dance, Noah Dance, and Joshua Dance.

Condolences for the family may be sent C/O Daniel Dance, 1509 Bootys Crossing Road, Georgetown, TX 78628.

A memorial service and reception will be held September 10, 2022 @11:00 am at Bushy Creek Baptist Church in Normans Crossing, TX.