Our hearts are heavy. Jay Rancourt, who was Library Director at Cook Memorial Library from 1999 to 2015, and for several years before that our children’s librarian, passed away on February 28 at her home in Madison. We all loved Jay as a friend, mentor, artist, poet, gardener, reader, librarian, and more. Jay’s creative and curious mind, and how she honored community and individual well-being, are models for our daily work and lives.
Jay’s impact on the Cook Memorial Library is felt each day as we work in this space. Jay ushered our library into the 21st century by working alongside many others to complete a major addition to the building, updating the library’s online presence, and making nurturing creativity and community building a priority. Jay applied her unique array of talents to her work, which continues to inspire and encourage library staff to do the same.
Please leave a reply to this post to share your tribute to Jay.
This world is a little less bright and beautiful since Jay left. My life was richer for having known her.
I’ll always remember her beautiful smile and how enthusiastically she greeted everyone, making them feel like they were special. Her artwork was superb but she appeared to be so humble, to me! I miss her large, bright blue eyes that accentuated her large, bright smile. I am lucky to have known her. Thank you for this tribute.
I am so sorry to hear about Jay’s passing . I recall her wonderful silk painting classes , which she taught enthusiastically. I recall knowing her when we lived in Silver Lake, and especially remember her late son Joe. She was a wonderful, creative spirit. She was a wonderful library director and I enjoyed her leadership when I was a library trustee. Condolences to her family and many friends.
I think this picture says it all — that wide welcoming smile and eyes full of joy. All of us who knew her can attest to her creative spirit, multiple talents, and her zest for life and adventure, but I remember her best as a loving, caring, generous friend.
A woman of many hats, talents and a beautiful aura. I met her through yoga and will always remember her fondly.
Jay was a lifelong friend. We were close since first grade, wrote long letters during boarding school years, and went to college in Boulder, CO together. We shared many defining moments as we matured. 1976 she moved from Idaho to NH to live with Steve and I, where she met Robbin Rancourt, who became her partner for some 50 years. They bought land a mile up the road and built a cabin and then the big house. Our children grew up together. Losing Jay is like losing a sister. I wrote a song about our friendship back in 1971. It’s called “Leaves of You.” Indeed, there are leaves of Jay growing on this tree that’s me.
Our last walk was filled with conversation about books read and being outdoors doing whatever the season allows. The heart of all our conversations was being a creative human and sharing that creativity. My heart has been filled with knowing Jay.