It’s not every day that the death of one woman leaves such a wave of shock and grief among community members. But Alice Lane was no ordinary woman and no ordinary bus driver.

As a Jefferson Transit passenger for almost 20 years, I came to admire Alice for her openness, her sensitivity, her presence and her courage.

Riding with her was a breath of fresh air. I saw her greet her passengers by name, be at pains to learn something of their lives, and treat each one with caring and respect.

For elderly or disabled passengers, I saw her go the extra mile, taking a short pause or occasionally a little detour to help them with their groceries. But sensitive and caring as she was, she had a presence and authority which brooked no misbehavior on her bus. Riding with her, we knew we were in capable hands.

Her openness in sharing her own stories was part of what endeared her to us, connected us to her.

We knew she rowed often out to Rat Island, and I watched her row her beautiful Pocock scull. We knew her history as the first woman to gain her captain’s license and to captain vessels in California, and her pleasure in having been on a women’s sail racing crew.

We knew her attachment to her little cat, her delight in her violin lessons and in her garden.

Alice was a rare presence. I’m so grateful to have known her and am thankful for her years of service.

HANNAH RUSSELL

Port Townsend