Jayn Wittenmyer ~ Aug 28, 1937 - Dec 19, 2011

Comment

Comment by Deb Wisniewski on December 21, 2011 at 8:14pm

I can just imagine her saying and doing that, Terri.  She had an amazing way of doing things that made you wonder why no one had done it before...

Comment by Terri Larson-Baxter on December 21, 2011 at 8:01pm

Jayn was a Champion and amazing mentor.  I will never forget years ago Andy had only been walking a few short months.  I think he was about 21/2 years old.  We were at State Joint Finance Committee hearing in River Falls.  The JFC members were taking a break in the crowded hallways between listening testimonies.  Andy kept walking up to legislators standing about 2 foot tall reaching his hands up to them  He want them to pick him up and hold him.  When he first started doing this, I went to run over to get him.  Jayn grabbed my arm and whispered, "No just let him(Andy) interact with the legislators...let them pick him up!"  "Don't you know he is working the the crowd (legislators), this is a good thing!"  She really help me understand the importance of self determination.  In addition, The building was not very accessible and rooms were quite small.  People in wheel chairs were being transported to the JFC hearing on the second floor in freight elevators.  Jayn was furious this was happening and went back to Madison to complain that State hearings should be held in accessible buildings. Every hearing I attended after that the buildings were accessible.  I will miss Jayn!

Comment by Deb Wisniewski on December 21, 2011 at 11:24am

Thank you Laurine for sharing your thoughts.... you are absolutely right.  It was never "done" until Jayn was "done"!

Comment by laurine lusk on December 21, 2011 at 11:02am

Jayn was a great mentor who taught me the lesson that the last one at the planning table can often have great impact. As legislation was being crafted, funding pulled or committed, trainings or other services designed...Jayn's strong advocacy helped to improve outcomes right down to the last "i" that was dotted and "t" that was crossed.  I learned to stay with whatever effort I was involved in, to outlast others with less stamina.  Jayn was the best model for that and many other lessons and I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.

Comment by Deb Wisniewski on December 21, 2011 at 9:53am

What a great story, Mary!  I can just imagine.... One of my favorite things about working with her were her "Jayn-isms" when she would mix and match sayings to suit the situation and her mood.  I remember her saying about a particular legislator that he should "fish or get off the pot!"

Comment by Theresa Kulow on December 21, 2011 at 9:51am

Thanks for sharing Deb.  I only met Jayn once but was inspired by her passion in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

Comment by Mary Beck on December 21, 2011 at 9:49am

I read with sadness Jayn's passing in today's newspaper. Though I haven't seen Jayn in several years, I will never forget her passion and determination. She was quite a gal. I met her as a rookie job developer, but not in a staffing or business meeting. We met at a Madison YWCA Belly Dancing class!  She embodied all the values we hold today with Zest!

 

Mary