Community of Caring is pleased to recognize Jane Theuerkauf during Women’s History Month for her loyal support of Community of Caring. Jane was a classmate of Mother Mary Beth Kennedy at Strong Vincent High School, class of 1944. Jane and Mother Kennedy remained friends and were members of the “mutual admiration society” for almost 80 years until the passing of Mother Kennedy in 2020.
As Mother Kennedy was ahead of her time as a woman in the “business “of caring for the needy and showing love and respect to all she met, Jane was ahead of her time as a woman realtor in the business helping people find homes. Jane has always had a heart for those that were experiencing homelessness. She was drawn to the mission of her friend, Mother Kennedy, and was proud to be a loyal supporter of all Mother Kennedy’s Ministries.
Jane was on the Board of Community Country Day School, also started by Mary Beth Kennedy and her husband, Charles. Jane was a frequent visitor to the school as well as a speaker at graduations. Jane was one of the first women members of the National Association of Realtors and was the first woman president of PAR, Pennsylvania Associations of Realtors. PAR did not allow women to hold office until 1973. Jane was a mentor to other women realtors and encouraged them build their own business.
Jane came from a family that encouraged the daughters to realize their potential. Jane and her sisters, Nan and Mary Ree, were all professional women in a time where that was not the norm. Nan was a successful realtor and Mary Ree served in the educational arena for almost 40 years.
Jane with her sisters Nan Held (L) and Mary Ree Traverse (C)
