Jane V. Gefvert

Jane Vivian Gefvert, National Veterans' Leader/Advocate, Devoted Wife and Mother, of Hillsborough, NH passed away on Saturday, September 11. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Jane was a two-term president of WAVES National, an organization for women who have served or are currently serving in one of the sea services; U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard or Reserves.

As president, she represented WAVES National at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial 1995 groundbreaking ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, and at its dedication in 1997. “I admired her exceptionally effective leadership,” says Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught, USAF (Ret.), president of the Women's Memorial Foundation, “Her warm smile and cheerful manner helped pave the way through the tough spots.” Jane was a WAVES National officer for over 20 years.

Born July 15, 1923 in Duluth, MN to George M. and Lucy (Framhein) Vivian, Jane was married to Robert W. (Bob) Gefvert for 64 years. Jane and Bob, also from Duluth, began their relationship while both were serving the U.S. in WWII and were married in 1946.

Jane was a passionate advocate for U.S. veterans, providing counsel on VA programs and benefits. She organized the first WAVES National Unit in New England, Old Ironsides Unit #17, and represented women’s veterans on the mini-MAC committee for the Veteran Affairs Medical Centers in New Hampshire and Vermont. In addition, she was a frequent speaker and participant at many local Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and July 4 activities where the sacrifices of the U.S. military are fondly remembered.

Jane was active as a volunteer, especially for organizations involving her family. She was a Cub Scout den mother, a Girl Scout leader, and president of the Newcomer’s Club in Dearborn, MI. She was also a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA, and served as a Post Commander for the American Legion.

Since moving to Hillsborough in 1991, she was a highly visible and active Legion member. Friends remember her "sweet, vivacious personality, ready laughter and sparkling eyes," and veterans have praised her hard work. Generous to people in need of help, Jane was an accomplished seamstress and puzzle solver (appearing on the game shows Wheel of Fortune and Password, where she was a multiple show champion) and enjoyed travel, especially to foreign lands. Though she and Bob relocated frequently throughout his career, Jane steadfastly remained a fan Minnesota Twins fan. Wherever she lived, she was known by neighborhood children for the prized popcorn balls that she made to give out on Halloween.

Jane continues to be loved, and is deeply appreciated and missed, by her husband Bob, brother George Jr. and his wife Josephine of Ashland, WI, and her four children: Bruce and Roger of Minneapolis, MN; Cynthia (Paul McGinnes) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and Barbara (John Gramuglia) of Colebrook, NH. Her parents and younger sister, Bess Howard, predeceased her.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held at the American Legion Post #59 in Hillsborough on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 1:00pm, and a committal service with military honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans' Cemetery in Boscawen on Monday, October 11, 2010 at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to one of three organizations: 1) Women's Memorial Foundation (WIMSA), Dept. 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560; 2) American Legion Post 59, 538 West Main Street, Hillsboro, NH 03244; 3) Hillsborough Food Pantry, 7 Church St., Hillsboro, NH 03244.