Steve - I never met you. I just learned of Jaye's death by searching for her online, as she was a dear friend to me in the 80's and we studied together to earn our CMA degree at the Laban/Bartneiff Institute of Movement Studies 83 - 84. She danced in my final project. I remained close to her until I left NYC in 1991. I was looking for her, as I was thinking of the Third Avenue Street fair (I was at the first one!) and just wanting to connect. I was saddened to learn of her death. She was a beautiful woman and a very good friend to me. Catherine Maguire

Dear Steve, I can't begin to tell you how very sad and sorry I was to hear the news from you about Jaye's death: sad to think of a world without our dear friend in it, and sorry to imagine how bereft you and all the people closest to her must be feeling now-- family and friends, colleagues and students, and the Juilliard and Barnard communities who loved, valued and counted on her so. 

I know you were with her throughout her long battle with cancer and her determined efforts to overcome it. I have no doubt your support, presence and love meant more to her every day than words can ever express. 

I remember the day you and Jaye married as one of the very happy days of my New York life, and staying in touch with Jaye since I moved out to LA five years ago was always a fun priority for me. We exchanged emails as recently as last month, which made the news of her death all the more surprising. She sounded so good and strong—hopeful despite some new challenges she talked about—and always full of her characteristic high spirits and curiosity about how you yourself were doing, and that amazing, one-of-a-kind good humor of hers. 

While it breaks my heart to know how much pain there had to have been for Jaye throughout these past years, I also know there had to be great joy in continuing to do the work she loved with the colleagues and students that always inspires her (and me too). And of course, what joy YOU brought her...

There is so much I will always recall with deep gratitude about our friend, and I know that some of those stories are being savored and shared by many on this guest book, at memorial services and in other one-on-one gatherings where her memory is very much alive.

While I feel the sadness of a beloved friend leaving this physical world we're all sharing for a short time, I feel quite blessed that our paths ran together for so long and with such real joy.

You are remembered now by many and Jaye will be too-- always.

With love,

Joe Kraemer

Jaye was a gentle and lovely spirit. Kind-hearted, insightful, graceful, spirited. Her friends, students and colleagues will miss her greatly. Sending thoughts and prayers to Steve, and Jaye's whole family.

Bill Connington

I am so sorry to hear of Jaye's passing! I knew her as a fellow faculty member and colloquium facilitator. She was always upbeat, positive, full of spirit - till the end. She will be greatly missed by students and colleagues alike!

Steve,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jaye was a truly beautiful person, and one of the most generous people I've ever met. 

Jaye has touched so many of our lives and I consider myself so lucky to have known her. 

She taught me how to sparkle. She taught me how to be juicy. 

She showed me what class really is. 

The last time I saw Jaye she was giving us "hands on" as my classmates and I did a read thru of Caucasian Chalk Circle. After she was finished with me and moved on to the next person she looked back at me and gave me a little wink and a smile that said, "I gotcha girl."

Jaye put us first till the end. 

Not only will she be remembered at Juilliard, but I believe her spirit will continue to live on thru us all.

Dear Steve,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you though this time.
Janice & Francesca

Dear Steve,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May God's peace and loving memories help comfort you during this difficult time.  
Barbara & John Tormondsen

Jaye taught me Alexander technique at Juilliard. She also introduced me to ballroom dancing. What I remember most is her kindness and love to everyone who was fortunate enough to set her. Her bright smile will never be forgotten.

Steve,

Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you during this most difficult time.

Lee and Ron Cote

Dearest Steve, my heart is with you and knowing that Jaye is no longer in such pain is the saving grace. My best memories of Jaye are our wacky trip to Hawaii, jaye was so glad to put me in charge of taking you shopping - little did I know what I was getting into- by the time she arrived I was exhausted :), and when I met you two in the airport after our vacations, you had spent a day riding on the beach- of course jaye was fine and you could hardly walk lol..........the few times I shared with her were filled with laughter and jokes,she will be missed by many; am thinking of you always....Judi

We bellydanced and laughed... I will miss you beautiful, elegant, lovely Jaye! Sincere condolences to the family!

Thank you, Jaye, for your kindness and wisdom. I enjoyed learning from you. Blessings on your journey.

wonderful being. So glad to see you dance. so glad you didn't see me. xo

So very sorry to learn Jaye has left us.   I took dance classes with Jaye and can recall her lovely personality, that great red hair, that luminous smile.  She will be missed.

with deepest condolences,
Zakia

Dearest Jaye,  your smile lit up the hallways of school and your energy and enthusiasm will remain a gift for all of us who were lucky enough to be lifted by it.  Thank you for my first Alexander lessons, your soft voice and kind approach when things were hard, teaching me to Rumba and keep my knees gunji, smiling at me whenever you saw me even when you were very tired and for encouraging me when I needed your support.  You have added great joy to this world, I hope you receive it a thousand times over in the next. Love

Mrs. Jaye, You will not be forgotten. Your spirit will forever live on. We love you and I hope you show those women in heaven how to work a headscarf. RIP.

An old classmate told me you've left us. I think of you often, you were always so lovely and warm. And you were such a generous and caring presence to have in the rehearsal room. You believed in me on those days that so many of us had at school where you think you can't even open your mouth to form a sentence. You will be remembered for your grace and style. My heart goes out to your family and friends and the Juilliard team who will be missing you terribly.

Jaye, while your luminous spirit will be deeply missed, the light and warmth you brought to the Juilliard hallways will never fade. My first year is filled with memories of the lessons you taught me and the comfort I felt in your class.

Today, I am finding the highest "up" I can, in honor of you.

Jaye was my Alexander Technique instructor at Juilliard this year. I feel so lucky to have been able to work with her, as only a few music students got the opportunity. She was such a beautiful human being, inside and out. Her positive attitude was incredibly inspiring to me and so many others. I always looked forward to our class on Tuesdays at 3:00, because I knew I would leave the room feeling uplifted and renewed. I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing and will miss her very, very much. My thoughts are with all her friends and family. I'm thinking up for you, Jaye! xo

I am so very, very sorry for your loss.  Jaye was one of the most bravest, determined women I have ever met.  Always smiling, always upbeat, always positive and I so respected and admired her for that.  I will truly miss her.  She was amazing.  Layla Mary, Serena Studios

We are so sorry for your loss. We wish you strength at this most dificult time. May She Rest In Peace.

Steve, we are so sorry for the loss of your DEAR Jaye.  She fought long and hard, but the Angels have a new member.  If there is any consolation, she is in good company with Janet & John and will be well taken care of.  We are sending our sincere sympathies to you, Janice and Jeff.
Janet, John David, & Jordan Dickinson

I was so saddened to learn of Jaye's passing.  She was a real trooper with an indomitable spirit who fought all odds for so many years.  I will miss her very much.  She was my calligrapher and when I did dinners monthly she was always my right hand person who I could talk with and count on.  We never saw each other as much as we wanted but when we were together it was always such fun.  

May the wonderful memories shared be a source of light during this dark hour.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Best, Judy Levy

Steve, we're truly sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We're thinking of you in your sorrow.

Dear Steve - my deepest condolences to you and your family.  A very special person has left us way too soon.  Although Jaye and I did not see each other often, when we did, it was as if we had seen each other just the day before.  She brought that kind of intimacy to her relationships.  She was such a warm, thoughtful, and vivacious person, a true friend and someone I will miss dearly.

Dear Steve,

I am so terribly sorry for your loss.

I believe a light has gone and a valuable smile has left us all.
I feel extremely fortunate to have seen this years Ballroom in room 304.
It is always Joyous in a celebratory way (not a small thing at 9 in the morning.)

You and Jay were always just wonderful to watch.
Even if it was just watching you watching everyone.


The students, teachers, halls, classrooms and rehearsal rooms will miss her so so much.
Her shining self and generosity just flowed from her with true ease.

My deepest sympathy and condolences to you.
Orlando Pabotoy (Group 27)

Steve,

There are no words that could adequately express how everyone will miss Jaye.  My heart goes out to you.  Please know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers.  

Christa

Kind, elegant, thoughtful friend and colleague, "Up you go" with the love and light of so many.

I will miss your kind soul. Thank you, Jaye. I learned a lot from you.

Dear Jaye, 

You will be greatly missed. Thank you for your patience and grace in the classroom and your passion for each of your students.  I'll never forget that mean tango! Rest in peace.
Love, Liza
Group 39

Dear Steve...although my time with Jaye was often brief and in passing, I got to be in the presence of a wonderful and loving person. I will miss her.

                                                                              Alta

A week ago you sent out Christmas cards with a quote and even though today we are all hurting after watching you fight for so long, we know you are That Angel at peace. You Lived life so gracefully and you never let the cancer take that grace from you! Love you Aunt Jaye and will miss you always!

The first time I met Jaye was at my first Showcase with Metroplitan Dance, she was so kind and thoughtful with her words of encouragement.  Everytime, after that she was always enthusiastic, and joful when we spoke.  She had a great spirit and a true love of her art.
 
She will be truly missed
 
 
My deepest condolences.
 
Chris Villani

Thank you, Jaye Dougherty for the up. You were an incredible spirit and energy. The lessons learned from you come with me every time I step onstage.

It will be so difficult to come back next semester and not see Jaye. Her beautiful light, kind words and lessons will forever stay with me. May she rest in peace. Thank you Jaye, thank you so very much!

-Isabel
(Group 46)

Steve.  We send our greatest condolences to you.  We didn't know Jaye but we know you and how terrifically devoted you were to her.  Best, Nancy and Roger Sachs

Dear Steve,

I am so sad that Jaye is no longer with us.  I enjoyed working with her at the Morgan Library back in the 90s.  We always had such a good time together and her calligraphy so gorgeous.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I think of you both as so happy together and wonderfully brave and warm.

with much love,

Gerd

I miss you Jaye! Thank you for teaching me the Alexander Technique with love and great awareness. Keep dancing in heaven! With love from Crew 32.

Sweet Jaye. You taught me to tango, rumba, swing, waltz, how to cross my legs like a lady, how to find my up, and provided all of us with utmost love and support. I can't imagine a Juilliard or a world without you. A truly special woman who will be greatly missed.

 Steve...I have no words! To say she will be greatly missed seems too much an understatement! Jaye was one of the kindest most passionate souls I ever had the privilege to meet. I will ever be grateful for her grace beauty and strength, both inside and out! She was a true inspiration! My heart is with you! Love and light

Steve I am so sad to hear this news. She was a great lady and I always remember our special times we spent together at Dance New York Our thoughts & prayers are with you

Jaye has always been one of my favorite people I was privileged to know in my dance travels. Her humor and wit was always appreciated. Her kindness was to be admired. Steve, I am very sorry to hear this and send you my heart felt condolences.

Very sad to read this new and she always in my heart (remember her support to Met's student in all the events and show cases) also condolences to Steve.

Dear Steven,

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Please accept my condolences. I'm Jaye's Alexander technique student.  She was the most caring, graceful and beautiful lady I know.  I am so honored and blessed to have been one of her last students and will never forget her teachings.

Best wishes,
Ivy

The thoughts that come to mind when I think of Jaye: a passionate, talented woman whose beauty and grace inspired me, and whose courage and strength filled me with awe.

So deeply saddened by Jaye's passing.  She was truly a special teacher and woman in my life.  Aside from the dance steps and Alexander directions she taught us, the most important lesson I learned from Jaye was how to stay strong and positive in the most difficult of times.  For all that she had to endure she always maintained a sense of humor, a grateful positive outlook, a beaming smile, and never let what she was experiencing inside compromise her fabulous demeanor on the outside.  I feel very lucky to have known such a special woman and will miss her very much.

Dear Mr. Dougherty,

     Thank you for keeping me posted, I appreciate it.   I am very sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest condolences. Indeed, Jaye was a loving and beautiful woman, an Angel even.  I will forever appreciate her and hold memories of her dear to my heart.  
    As this is a very hard time for you and  family/friends if you need anything please know I am here. Thank you again.

Warmest regards, 
Laurie Dimitriou

Jaye Dougherty. Your calm voice with that brilliant red hair. I was always amazed with the care and seriously good penmanship you put into those little gems for us on opening nights. You literally lifted us all. In the words of pooh, how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. And so we are.

Jaye Dougherty, your lightness and joy were contagious. I can't help but smile, thinking about how you called us all "my dears" and "my loves." Thanks for showing us the way Up.

Dear Steve,

I just heard from Carolyn. I am so, so sorry. What a great loss for us all.

Years ago I helped to train Jaye at ACAT, and for years she was my associate teacher in the Training Program. I loved her. We had a glorious time working together. What a superb teacher she was! What a good friend! (She never forgot a call to wish me a happy birthday!)

Most recently we have been colleagues at Juilliard working in two different divisions (Drama and Dance) and assisting Lori in the Music division. One can do nothing but admire her strength, courage and dedication over these last few difficult years.

With great love,
Jane

I am so sorry to learn of Jaye's passing.  Her care and love for all students resonates deeply.  My prayers are with you and your family at this time of great loss.  

In kindness,
Alison Scott-Williams
Former Juilliard colleague

Steve, Please accept out heartfelt condolences and may friends and family make it a bit easier to go through these difficult times.
I have lost family members years ago, I felt very close to and I can honestly say – I know how you feel.

Thinking of you in your sorrow  with kindness.
Agi & Charlie Hale

Jaye, your positivity, your passion, your care and understanding, your kindness and grace touched me very deeply. I will miss you very, very much. Thank you. All of my love, Noah

Jaye,

Thank you for your kindness, your beauty, your heart, your love, and your laugh. I think I will miss your laugh the most. Your laugh can light up the darkest room. Your bravery and sense of humor in the hardest of times inspired and wowed me, and your ability to bring us all together is unparalleled. I will miss your smile, your warm hugs in the hallway, and of course - You. I love you Jaye. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sincerely,
Jasmine Batchelor
EMC
Juilliard Group 44
WSU PATP ALUM '10

Steve and to any family who may read this,

I send my deepest condolences. I loved Jaye. I was talking about her earlier today as an example of someone who lives their life with strength, passion, and an optimistic outlook in the face of despair. We show who we truly are in times of crisis and turmoil, and Jaye always chose to shine with the brightest light. I learned a great deal from her in the short time I knew her, and I think I can speak for all of Group 46 when I say we are all better for having experienced her guidance and warmth.

All my love to you, Steve.

Steve,

I'm so sorry to hear the news, and my heart is with you - and with Jaye.  She was such a good friend, an amazing teacher, and my hero for these past few years. Her grace, her dignity and unwavering spirit, and her dedication to the students at Juilliard were inspirational, and amazing.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, and all of Jaye's family.

Much love,
Becky

 I only got to be with  Jaye a few times, yet she treated me like I was her best friend. I will miss her. I know how you feel Steve.

Dear Steve-

I am so sorry to hear of Jaye's passing.

I can think of no one with a brighter spirit or such a warm smile. And I will miss her sassy one liner quips that always had us laughing...

She will hold such a special place in my heart for all her compassion, love, and dedication to us students- through what I'm sure was horrible discomfort and pain... She would never complain- approaching life with such grace.

 Jaye was unfailingly there for her students regardless of what she was dealing with medically. She was such a thoughtful teacher- always ready to listen or help or just good for a smile.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful wife with us all these years.

She will not be forgotten.

With a heavy heart-
Deep love and respect,
Sarah Hunt

Steve I just read with great sorrow the news of Jaye's passing. I didn't know her well but I felt just hearing about her through you she was an amazing woman filled with grace, courage and love. She fought bravely with you by her  side, your a good man. Heaven will welcome her and she can rest without the pain and battle each day. She will be in your heart forever, I hope remember the better times and that these memories will bring you some comfort.
I wish I were there to give you a big warm hug and to just be there as a friend.
 
April

Hi Steve and Family,
I am shocked and sorry to hear that Jaye passed. She was a great spirit and teacher in my years at Juilliard. I will always remember how with one touch, literally, she helped me release tension, stress and heartache. As I write this now, and still practice the Alexander Technique, I can hear and feel my arms moving in the sockets. Incredible and amazing that I have developed this deep awareness, thanks to Jaye. She made me a better actress and more importantly a better human being. I am in LA and unable to attend her funeral, but please know that I am praying for you and your family. I loved her and will miss her greatly.
With gratitude,
Arden
AKA Kelly Miller - Crew 32

I stopped in my tracks when I found out the news. Jaye was a glimmering force that directed countless people toward bettering themselves. I know that I am better because of her. I'll miss the twinkle in her eyes, the power of her smile, and the magnetism of her loving voice. She was a woman who inspired love, a rare feat that is hard to come across. She was so beautiful. All of my energy is guided by thoughts of her wonderful soul.

Boundless Love, Condolences, and Respect,

Kelsey NcMahon

Steve,

I am sending so much love to you. You were married to one of the greatest and kindest people ever. not to mention brave and joyous. I am filled with sadness today but also appreciation to have worked with such a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to you and your family .

Deb

Dear Jaye's family and friends,

I just wanted to share how grateful I am to have known Jaye as my teacher at Juilliard.  She gave me many things, but three I'll share:

1) Jaye taught me the steps my husband and I used for our first dance at our wedding.

2) Jaye first introduced me to the Alexander Technique which I used that day and since to keep me fully present in life.

3) I worked with the first years this past fall on a project, which meant that I got to sit in on my first faculty meeting as the teachers discuss students.  I was reminded of how wonderful a teacher Jaye was in that meeting in the way she spoke about students with such care and insight.  I also got to see her at this last ballroom competition - and was so pleased to be a part of all the love, beauty, fun and joy that the event brings.

She was such a powerful light and will continue to be in all of us.

My love and thanks,
Claire Karpen
Group 41

OBITUARY

Jaye Dougherty

Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home

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