Jane Elizabeth Lareau

Jane Elizabeth Lareau, beloved daughter of the Constance Mathurin Lareau and the late Alain Henry Lareau died peacefully in her sleep at home in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina on July 15th, 2013. She was born on August 30, 1951 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and grew up in Sumter, South Carolina. She is survived by her mother and seven siblings and their families: Leslie Lareau DeWitt (Alain, Wade, Elizabeth, and Connie), Alain Lareau (Ray, Eva, Chris and Joey), Donna Lareau, Carol and Noel Lareau (Rebecca and Betsy), Ashley and Blaise Lareau (Adam and Ryan), Paula Lareau, and Dianne and Neil Lareau (Reid and Davis).

Jane's work for the Columbia Record and later The State newspaper, where her inquisitive nature, dedication to the truth, and talent for writing enabled her to master myriad issues and topics. In 1979, Jane moved to Charleston, where she would live for the next 34 years, heading the public relations department of the College of Charleston and later the Medical University of South Carolina's public relations division.

Jane spent her childhood exploring the woods and swamps of Sumter with her sisters and brothers. In doing so, she developed an abiding love and devotion for nature and all its creatures that would sustain and inspire her for the rest of her life. Her commitment to the environment, combined with her charismatic and winning way with people, made her a powerful force for good. In 1987, Jane was hired as Congressman Arthur Ravenel's press secretary, an opportunity that allowed her to put into action her passion for protecting the natural world. Beginning in her college days, she had been an active member of the Sierra Club and Audubon Society, later holding leadership positions in those groups during her years in Charleston.

It was in 1989 that Jane took a leap of faith and joined with Dana Beach to found the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, a move that would impact the future of the Lowcountry for years to come. Beginning in borrowed office space, furnished with a few cast-off desks and chairs, Jane helped to build the Conservation League - member by member, issue by issue, victory by victory - into one of the nation's leading advocates for conservation. She traveled up and down the coast, helping citizens and communities save the landscapes and waters they loved. Her mastery of the spoken and written word won her friends and admirers everywhere.

When she wasn't fighting to protect the Lowcountry, Jane traveled to nearly every corner of the globe, with her sister Paula and her many friends. The objective was always to see birds; but Jane appreciated all beauty, whether natural or manmade. Whether it was the deserts of coastal Peru, the cloud forests of Borneo, or the plains of East Africa, Jane felt at home anywhere in the natural world and relished every minute spent in the great outdoors. She was equally fascinated and enchanted with people, and radiated character and charm, honed by her large and wonderfully eclectic family. An avid reader and lifelong learner, Jane could engage anyone on any topic and lived life to the fullest.

A Celebration of Jane's Life will be held at the Mother House, Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, 424 Fort Johnson Road, James Island, SC 29412 on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jane's memory to: Coastal Conservation League, 328 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, 424 Fort Johnson Road, James Island, SC 29412.