Remembering Jane Van Tour: A Valued Member of Our Genealogy Community

We are saddened to share the passing of former SCGS volunteer Jane Van Tour.

Jane was a valued member of the SCGS community and played an important role at our Jamborees, serving as a gracious hostess to our speakers and helping guide decisions about future presenters. Many will also remember her thoughtfulness—she always took care of those around her, often bringing cookies and other treats from her travels while based at LAX. Jane was a Pan Am flight attendant for several years.

After retiring, Jane returned to her home in Tennessee, where she remained actively involved in the genealogy community through the Tennessee Genealogical Society. She served on TGS's Board of Directors and was Director of Sales at the time of her passing.

Honored by the NGS for Distinguished Service

Jane’s dedication to genealogy extended well beyond SCGS. In 2013, she was honored as the second recipient of the National Genealogical Society’s Distinguished Service Award. While attending the NGS conference in Las Vegas that year, Jane noticed how busy the staff was and simply stepped in to help. From that moment on, she assisted at every subsequent NGS conference wherever she was needed—working the registration booth, reprinting badges, stuffing conference bags, helping attendees find their way, troubleshooting technology issues, and tackling countless other tasks. She did it all with a ready smile and, often, a funny story that made even the busiest moments brighter.

Jane’s generosity, warmth, and dedication to genealogy will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her. The Southern California Genealogical Society extends our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Photo of Jane Van Tour, smiling from a Pam Am 707 in Guam, 1970. Courtesy of Jane's Facebook page.