Jane Marie Newbury of Arlington, VA passed peacefully in her sleep on November 22, 2021 with family by her side after a courageous 3-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Mom grew up in Newport, RI spending her days either on the seashore with her 5 brother and sisters, at St. Augustin's Catholic Church praying or studying, or playing tennis. After attending Boston College, she would later settle in McLean, VA where she raised her 3 children until they left for college, and she would return to her favorite place, the beach. Mom made Sandbridge Beach, VA her home for 15 years, before returning to Northern Virginia to spend her final years with her children and grandchildren just steps away.

We remember every detail of the first ambulance trip that Mom took in October 2018, and every detail of every moment in the week that would follow in the hospital. Liz especially recalls the moment that the oncologist walked in, because that was when we started googling. Like many, we had never had to google pancreatic cancer before, and for those that have been touched by this unforgiving disease, they know that you will find out immediately that it has the highest mortality rate of any cancer. That only 10% of those diagnosed will be alive five years after their diagnosis. Our mom fought HARD, through surgery, complications from surgery, radiation, treatments, and what seemed like nearly endless doctors appointments and prescriptions. In the end, as her angel of a hospice nurse would say, this cancer, is one of the most brutal and painful of them all. It truly was.

We were grateful to have an army of supporters by us, who helped us navigate through the storm. We had a nurse in the family, doctors that we could text and call on weekends and evenings and they would respond back right away, incredible how invaluable this basic touch point is in our most desperate times.

We worked as a team and jumped right in to be there for Mom, but realize this is a luxury that not all patients or supporters have. So much work is still needed in terms of research, clinical trials, care and support for patients, and care and support for patients‘ families. This is why the three of us, Jane’s kids, support PanCan; to bring hope, support and guidance to those who so desperately need it. 

Please consider donating, every amount helps gets us closer to one less family saying goodbye too soon to a loved one. 

Thank you  

Jen Cowley, Liz Cummings, John Feore, aka "Team Nana"