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The Pinecone
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April 2016
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A P A S S I O N F O R T H E A R T S
Jane
Holmgrain
Introducing Jane Holmgrain – long-time resident of Kirby Pines
Retirement Community, and a Southern girl at heart - this is her
story and she chose to begin with her great grandfather, Rollie
Brit Dawson. He fought in the Battle of San Jacinto and, as was a
common practice at that time, Texas rewardedDawson’s valor with
a land grant within Corsicana, TX. His granddaughter, Imogene
Killin married Charles S. Chase and they had a daughter, Jane.
Charles was known for fighting in WWI, and for flying the first
airplane over Houston. He also was an architect by profession,
attended Cornell University and was a successful business man.
The University of Texas awarded Jane a Bachelor of Fine Arts
Degree (BFA). She married Glenn Benton Holmgrain (Ben) in
1945; they had 3 children and 2 grand children. Jane’s parents
were patrons of the Houston Orchestra, especially, and Texas
music and art scenes in a broader sense. She developed an
appreciation and passion for the Arts as a result of her Fine Arts
Degree and her parents’ efforts to take her to performances –
laying the ground work for Jane’s future efforts to grow financial
support for continuation of these venues. Prior to their move
to Memphis, Jane was President of the Meridian, Mississippi
Symphony. When she and Ben moved to Memphis, they became
patrons of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Jane also became
a member of the Symphony League – ladies who gave their time
on a weekly basis, taking care of routine tasks. Wednesday was
Jane’s League day, and she’s fondly remembered for bringing her
waffle iron to the office and making fresh waffles for musicians
and volunteers alike.
Memphis life was good for the Holmgrain family. Jane enjoyed a
good game of Bridge, and she and Ben were enthusiastic golfers
and tennis players. As the years passed, however, she said “the
body doesn’t want to play anymore” – a truism with which we
easily identify; but, to this day, Jane enjoys her place at the Bridge
table.
Sociable, good-hearted, and smart - a mix of attributes that enabled
Jane to raise dollars in support of music, health care delivery, and
other outreach efforts.
Well done, Jane.
- Jacqueline Besteman, Resident
J ane and he r hu sband , Ben , l ook i ng qu i t e e l egan t