Jane Topping Underhill, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Williamsburg, Virginia community, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025 at the age of 91.

Jane was a devoted and loving mother to her three children; Michael Underhill (Amy) of Park City, Utah; Elizabeth Holzapfel (Jed) of McLean, Virginia; and Robert Underhill of Columbus, Ohio. She was also a proud and caring grandmother to Alison Higgins (Michael) of Singapore, Kristen Underhill (Alex) of Columbus, Ohio, Jake Holzapfel of McLean, Virginia, and Katie Holzapfel of Washington, DC—each of whom she adored deeply. Jane is survived by these beloved family members, cousins, and countless treasured friends across Virginia and beyond.

Born on May 18, 1933, to Clarence J. and Ila G. Topping of West Point, Virginia, Jane was a dedicated student and lifelong learner. She graduated from West Point High School before earning her degree in English from The College of William & Mary. It was here where her children are convinced, she coined the phrase, “never end a sentence in a preposition” after re-working many of their homework assignments.  Jane combined her love of education and the beach by teaching middle school curriculum in Virginia Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Alexandria, Virginia. It was in Alexandria that she met her husband, Colonel Victor S. Underhill (deceased 1985) of San Francisco, California.

Jane and Victor married on November 12, 1960, and she wholeheartedly embraced the role of a military wife, supporting her husband’s three-decade Army career. Together, they lived in many places across the United States and Germany, and Jane kept the homefront steady during Victor’s deployments to Korea and Vietnam.  Jane returned to work in 1985, as a special education assistant with Fairfax County Schools, until her retirement in 1990.  An avid volunteer, Jane gave her time generously to causes close to her heart, including the Military Officer Wives Club, Girls Probation House, Williamsburg Hospital, William & Mary Olde Guarde Alumni Association, and was an active member of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church.

Jane’s love for learning never waned. She attended art classes to refine her talent for painting. She had a passion for travel, often bringing her family along on trips to New York City or the beaches of Virginia and North Carolina. Even into her 80s, she embraced new adventures through group tours to Europe and other destinations. In a world dominated by electronic communication, Jane stood apart with her beautifully handwritten letters, which captured her experiences and thoughts with vivid detail and care.

Jane will always be remembered for her warmth, authenticity, humor, compassion, spirituality, and unwavering thoughtfulness. A private family gathering will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Victor.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jane’s memory to Capital Caring Hospice at CapitalCaring.org.