Jan Bray, a devoted and impassioned LWVCNM Lifetime member, passed away on July 24, 2023. She was among the LWVCNM Lifetime members recognized during the LWV 100th Birthday Party February 15, 2020.
Jan Bray was given a gift membership to LWV for her 21st Birthday from her mother who had been a longtime LWV member in Minneapolis. Jan was then attending Lake Erie College in Ohio, where she majored in Education. Jan later returned to MN and attended the University of MN, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and met her future husband, Olin Bray, also a life-long member of LWV. Jan’s favorite LWV projects were participation in studies, with involvement in a Human Needs State Study in MN being particularly memorable. Jan pursued lobbying in support of basic human needs following the formulation of this MN LWV position. Jan also served as a Unit Leader in MN more than 30 years ago. Jan’s employment experience included serving as a classroom aide in MN with tutoring of individual middle and high school students in areas requiring assistance. Following Jan and Olin’s move to NM 31 years ago, Jan served as a lobbyist for AAUW in addition to their continuing mutual LWV involvement.
Jan and Olin served as LWVCNM Co-Presidents 2009-11 and following their service both continued to be involved in LWV efforts. Jan and Olin also enjoyed their participation in the Great Decisions in Foreign Policy committee, continuing to attend regular meetings, and both were regular participants in the Albuquerque International Association. Olin preceded Jan in death May 22, 2019.
There will be a memorial service for Jan Bray at La Vida Llena,10501 Lagrima de Oro NE, on August 11th at 10:00 am.