Jane Edmondson

Jane Pasolli Edmondson, 79, of McLean, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, following a stroke during heart surgery and a lengthy hospitalization.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague, she leaves behind an impressive collection of antiques, well-loved novels, TJ Maxx treasures, a half-drunk bottle of Maker’s Mark, jewelry for all occasions locked in a safe no one in the family can open, and—most importantly—a legacy of love and generosity that will endure for generations.

A graduate of Glen Rock High School in New Jersey, our Jersey girl “Janie” thrived in sock hops, clubs, student council, and the handmade dresses her mother lovingly stitched. She went on to Mount Holyoke College, then UMass Amherst, after which she briefly became a teacher—the only undertaking, by her own account, that she wasn’t very good at.

She found her stride professionally, first as a Capitol Hill aide, then at the Arnold & Porter law firm, and then as a senior officer at the National Captioning Institute, where she played a central role in creating an essential public service that increased accessibility for millions of Americans. Her years there demanded persistence and grit, as she navigated challenges and overcame the everyday sexism of the era. After one particularly heated meeting, a male colleague called her a “tough broad”—a title Jane wore with pride. She later served with distinction as chief of staff for Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, where she became known as the go-to person in Fairfax County when someone needed a tax question answered, a budget issue explained, or a zoning ordinance changed. Most mornings she could be found at the gym, so her proudest achievement was guiding the rehab and expansion of the Spring Hill Recreation Center, including the installation of an indoor elevated track.

Outside of work, Jane was a tireless volunteer and project manager who helped build Chesterbrook Residences, an affordable assisted living facility in McLean. At her beloved Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, she was always willing to lend her time, talent, and leadership on boards and committees. She believed passionately in the equal rights of women and girls, serving on the board of NARAL Virginia and its successor, Repro Rising, and never missed a chance to volunteer at the polls on Election Day—mostly so she could correct people’s voting choices politely but firmly.

To her grandchildren, she was “Nona”—an energetic playmate who invented games like walk the plank and magic potions. She never missed a game, meet, performance, or graduation, no matter the distance or the weather. She was legendary for her Christmas cookies, insistent about thank-you notes, and relentless with coupons. She loved politics, the Washington Nationals, music at Wolf Trap, collecting art, and endlessly decorating—and redecorating—her homes in McLean and Bethany Beach. She was adored by baristas, hairdressers, and aestheticians, and never said no to a trip—including to Antarctica, where she took nearly 200 photos of penguins. She traveled to every continent, often with her children and grandchildren—always in heels. Even during the pandemic, while the rest of us were in sweatpants, Jane was still in heels. Her lifelong friends shared with her a bottomless vault of inside jokes and memories.

If you met her once in an elevator, you remembered her. She was a complete original, sui generis—equal parts strong, feisty, charming, and kind—who managed to be a powerful force without ever alienating those around her. She will be deeply missed by all those supremely blessed to have known her.

Jane is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Jim—her partner, best friend, travel companion, cheerleader, and the great love of her life. They will be forever JimJane. She is also survived by her 4 children, Ben (Alissa), Mark (Sylvie), Jeff (Kelly), and Lauren (Christopher), as well as 11 adoring grandchildren, ages 4 to 22. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anita Pasolli; her brother, Robert Pasolli; her sweet adopted pit bull, Lady; and a series of wrecked cars—not all her fault.

Jane’s memorial service will be held at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in her honor. Contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the nonprofit Chesterbrook Residences, Inc.