Betty "Jane" "Lane" Landrum

Betty Jane Landrum 82, of Washington, DC died on May 30, 2015. “Jane” or “Lane” as she was known to her friends and family, was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 1, 1932. She was the only child of Laurie Edward Landrum and Mary Velma Wood. Jane graduated from Sheffield High School in Sheffield, Alabama. Soon after graduation she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and trained as a radar mechanic. Her service eventually carried her west to California. Upon discharge, she took advantage of the G.I. Bill, and enrolled in the University of Washington where she earned a B.S. (1958). It was, however, a field course with Dixie Lee Ray that sparked her interest in marine biology. She continued her studies at College of Fisheries Studies at the university and worked as Fisheries Research Biologist for the National Marine Fisheries (1960- 1965). In 1965 Lane began her career with the Smithsonian Oceanographic Sorting Center (SOSC) in Washington, DC. She served at SOSC as the supervisor of the Records Section and Director (1974- 1978). While at the Smithsonian, she was deeply involved with the U.S. Antarctic Research Program (USARP), and made two voyages to the Antarctic aboard the research vessel Eltanin. Lane was honored for her contributions to Antarctic research with geographic feature, Landrum Island. Following her retirement from the Smithsonian in 1989, Lane enjoyed travel, fishing, gardening and mushroom hunting. She was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography; and, the Biological Society of Washington. She is survived by her longtime partner and wife, Ellen Alers. Contributions in memory of Jane may be directed to the Sierra Club 85 Second St, 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94105 and the Nature Conservancy 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betty "Jane" "Lane" Landrum please visit our Sympathy Store.