Jane Elizabeth (Pitts) McAllister, 85, passed away on August 10th, 2025, in Winchester, Virginia. She was surrounded by her four devoted children John, Sarah, Sharon, and Mary and her loving spouse of 64 years, Dr. John Eldon “Jack” McAllister. Jane grew up in the rural community of Sparta, VA and was a graduate of Westhampton College, University of Richmond, Class of ‘61. She married Jack in 1961 and taught high school math while he was in medical school. They started their family, lived in Germany for 3 years, and eventually settled in Frederick County in 1972. They lived, most recently, at The Village at Orchard Ridge (TVOR) in Winchester, Virginia.

She is survived by her husband, Jack McAllister, their four children, John McAllister (Lisa McAllister), Sarah McAllister (James Faust), Sharon Painter (Dennis Painter) and Mary McAllister, and eight grandchildren: Elizabeth Penney, John Penney, Madeline Painter, Katie Painter, Sophia McAllister, Tess McAllister, Havalin Haskell and Bryce Haskell. Jane was predeceased by her parents Francis and Thelma Pitts, and her sisters, Mary Helms and Anne Bonchu.

Jane was the quintessential “Bibi” (Swahili for grandmother) and her pride and joy were her eight grandchildren. She cultivated a meaningful relationship with each one and strove to attend every birthday, sporting event, school event, and graduation. Early on, Jane instituted an annual beach trip and the family convened for a week of connection and relaxation. She instilled in each of us, her love of quality time spent together.

Most recently, Jane’s favorite pastime was teaching line dancing with her friend, Jill LeTourneau, at TVOR. Together, they developed a deep bond while choreographing routines and leading all who showed up to learn the steps and revel in the fun. Jane was also the reigning croquet champion at TVOR. She had many years of practice growing up playing with her Mother and over the years systematically beat everyone in the family. She had quite the competitive side, ask any of her grandchildren. “Bibi did not let anyone win.” You had to earn it. Jane often commented on how many new friends she had made at TVOR over the last 11 years and that this was the greatest gift for moving there.

Jane was a pillar at Bethel Lutheran Church for 45+ years. Early on, she spearheaded the senior support group, the “Jolly Crowd” and continued until her passing, to visit elderly members of the congregation in their homes, delivering meals and driving them to appointments. In recent years, Jane served on the sanctuary renovation team and the Internship Committee and envisioned and created the Bethel Memorial Garden where members of the congregation can scatter their loved ones’ ashes.

Many of her passion projects involved gardening and tending to the ones she had created during her lifetime. She was instrumental in starting a native species garden at TVOR and the memorial “scatter” garden at Bethel Lutheran Church. Her latest endeavor was creating a butterfly garden behind her cottage with the help of her son, John. Together, they accomplished many gardening tasks small and large.

Jane was adventuresome and loved to travel. She had explored many parts of the world, specifically in East Africa. She and Jack climbed Kilimanjaro in 1986 to raise money for the non-profit that would become Operation Bootstrap Africa. This high alpine feat was the start of a 40-year commitment to supporting medical and educational projects in Tanzania. Their involvement included many trips back and forth, organizing fundraising events and auctions in Virginia, and ultimately, introducing and encouraging Bethel to develop their support of mission projects there.

Jane was an inspiration and guiding light to all who knew her and her family respected and loved her so very deeply. She lived an authentic and compassionate life that her children and grandchildren aspire to emulate. She will be greatly missed.

The Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30th, at 11am at Bethel Lutheran Church in Winchester, Virginia, located at 2077 North Frederick Pike, Winchester, VA 22603

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jane’s honor may be sent to:

Bethel Lutheran Church
2077 N. Frederick Pike
Winchester VA 22603.

Please designate the gift for one of the following purposes:

The Jane P. McAllister Scholarship Fund:
An endowed scholarship fund which will provide ongoing education to college age students in Tanzania recommended through Operation Bootstrap Africa.

The Bethel Memorial Garden Fund:
A fund that will provide resources for the upkeep and maintenance of the Bethel Memorial Garden.