Jane Small 1930 - 1999

Jane Small passed away in Los Angeles October 15th, 1999.
Jane Small, nationally known civil rights/disability rights advocate was remembered in two memorial services in California. She was aptly portrayed by colleagues and friends as a blunt, tireless advocate; an extraordinary networker, a formidable foe, and a loving and funny woman. Speakers at the services in Los Angeles and Sacramento included many prominent Californians that knew and worked with Jane on her many issues and advocacy projects, including Senator Tom Hayden and Jane Crawford, Assistant Appointments Secretary for Governor Gray Davis and a long list of Legislators, advocates, friends and family.
Ms. Crawford read a Governor's Resolution which declared a "Jane Small Memorial Day." She recalled the Governor's long standing relationship with Jane and her husband Hugh Hallenberg and shared the Governor's high regard for Jane's opinions and thoughts.
Senator Hayden also shared his experiences during the many years he had worked with Jane, saying "she was always prepared with facts, figures and strong arguments on the issues. This paled, however, in comparison to the prospect of facing her as a foe; thereby making it an easy decision to support her position!"
She was also remembered by family and friends as a fighter, a gourmet cook, a grandmother and a tireless campaigner for political candidates and causes. Most of all, everyone recalled her tireless work for social justice and her willingness to take on "one more issue."
Jane was a founding member of California Association of Physically Handicapped [CAPH -now CDR], founding member of the National Women's Political Caucus [NWPC] and President of the Los Angeles Chapter of Californians for Disability Rights [CDR -was CAPH], Chapter 50.
She is survived by her husband, Hugh Hallenberg, also a strong disability rights activist and advocate, as well as four children and grandchildren.
Jane, as well as the fruits of her tireless labor, will be missed by many. The best tribute we can pay her is the continued fight for social justice.