Jane Marie Garten

World traveler, voracious reader, and museum enthusiast Jane Marie Garten passed away on July 28, 2026 in Arlington, VA. She was 63 years old.

Jane was always up for great adventures all over Europe, but Ireland in particular was the nearest and dearest to her Irish heart. On a high-performance watercraft trip out of Dingle Harbour, off Ireland’s southwest coast, she dressed warmly, put on a water-repellent suit and life preserver, then boldly headed into the rough waters of the Atlantic to see puffins. Of course, this bravery mandated stopping into a pub or two afterwards to quench the thirst while chatting with locals at the bar.

Jane was born on March 19, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts to Paul and Ellie (Phinney) Garten who predeceased her. Jane spent her formative years in Lynchburg VA before earning her BA from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

A rockstar in her chosen field of marketing and communications, she had a knack for introducing novel strategies matched with superb storytelling skills that won multiple awards of excellence from peers and clients. Her career began at The Library of Congress then blossomed at Navy Federal Credit Union where she conceived and executed employee wellness campaigns that earned national and regional recognition for excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators. She retired in 2024 but of course had to keep up the pace. She leaned back on her previous formidable retail skills and worked at The Shops at Mount Vernon.

Jane was a natural leader, generous and committed to helping and inspiring others. When she laughed, you could hear her; when she was looking forward to travels with colleagues abroad, she was beaming all over the office; when she was sad, she turned to her very dear friends who embraced her.

Jane is survived by her sister Paula G. Bracken, brother-in-law David Bracken, nieces Maeve Bracken (and husband Reid Spencer), Emma Bracken, nephews Patrick and Rory Bracken and great nephew Ridge Spencer. Jane was predeceased by her brother Mathew J. Garten. In addition to immediate family Jane is survived by many loving cousins, family, and dear friends including Michelle Gallahan and David Osborne.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 2700 South 19th Street Arlington, VA at 11:00 am on Friday, September 18.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jane’s memory to Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, Mount Vernon, VA.