Jane E. Savoie
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Jane E. Savoie, 71, of Berlin died Monday morning, January 4, 2021 at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin of complications from multiple myeloma that she had courageously fought since 2015.
Jane was born April 15, 1949 in Worcester, MA; the daughter of Benjamin & Lorraine (Tushman) Elkind. She was raised in Natick, MA where she graduated from High School, then received her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from University of Massachusetts. Jane met Rhett Savoie in college, and they were married March 24, 1974 at Martha-Mary Chapel in Sudbury, MA. They first lived in Amherst, MA before moving to Randolph, VT in 1976, to Randolph Center a year later and finally to Berlin in 2008. Since 1988 they had wintered in Wellington, FL where an active and international equestrian community thrives. Jane began a lifelong love for horses as a child. After graduating from college, she did research in animal science and enrolled in the riding program at UMASS. At that time, she bought her first horse and became interested in dressage, which led to her lifelong dressage career as trainer, teacher and author, and motivational speaker, known worldwide. She was an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Dressage team in Barcelona in 1992 and coached at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics. Jane published six books on sports psychology, dressage and jumping that have been translated into eight languages. She produced two successful video series, "Train with Jane" and "Happy Horse" courses that enjoy worldwide success. She was inducted into the US Dressage Federation's Hall of Fame in December 2019. Jane was passionate about helping amateur riders progress in the demanding sport/art of dressage while also developing a "Happy Horse". Jane supported many animal welfare organizations. In later years, Jane practiced Ballroom dancing; competing as an amateur with great commitment, positivity, grace and energy, in much the same way she approached er extremely active and interesting life. At the time of her death, her first novel was being released. Jane was a magnetic force to be around and will be so sadly missed and greatly treasured by many friends and hundreds of her students.
Survivors include her husband Rhett Savoie of Berlin, VT; Rhett's many siblings and their families; Jane's one sister, Rhoda; many cousins; and Jane's many close friends in the horse world and dancing world (you know who you are!).
A private family gathering and burial in Massachusetts will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in her memory may be made to Central Vermont Dressage Association (C/O Andrea Albee - 566 S. Main Street - Brattleboro, VT 05301, Attn: Jane Savoie)or to Green Mountain Horse Association (PO Box 8 South Woodstock, VT 05071, please reference Jane Savoie. Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com. Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.