Barbara Jane (Dansard) Davenport who passed away on February 21, 2025, was born November 13,1931 to Charles and Barbara Dansard. She was predeceased by her husband Palmer Davenport and her son John Davenport. She had three siblings and was  predeceased by her brother DeWitt Dansard and sister Navarre Purcell. She is survived by her sister Harriett Purcell. 

Jane grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey and summered on Cape Cod, where during the summer of 1951 she met the love of her life Palmer “Pete” Davenport. After an eight-week romance they decided to elope. Being underage (18 and 19) they traveled to New Hampshire, where the age of consent was 18. They married and returned to Cape Cod, terrified to tell their parents who, over time, eventually approved of their nuptials. They were blessed with two children, John and DeWitt. Both she and Pete loved the water and fishing, establishing their lives on Bass River, making fond memories with their boys. Their love for one another endured, surpassing Pete’s death in 1999. Jane was very bright, fiercely independent and of strong mind and will. While being a stay-at-home mother, she became a contributing founder of the South Yarmouth based commercial and residential real estate holding and development companies known today as The Davenport Companies.

Jane loved and excelled at the game of golf becoming a Massachusetts State Champion in the early 1980’s and was a longtime member of both Hyannisport and Oyster Harbors Club. She enjoyed traveling to exotic places such as Vietnam, China, and Ethiopia.  Winter was Jane’s favorite season.  She loved a good snow fall, spending time in their North Conway farmhouse, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. She had a deep fondness for black coffee, antiques and developed an incredible curation of cashmere. Over the years Jane became involved with many Cape Cod community organizations leaving behind a legacy of generosity and giving, including the Palmer and Jane D. Davenport Foundation.

Jane is survived by her son DeWitt Davenport, daughter-in law Susan Davenport and daughter-in-law Kathy Davenport, grandson Christian Davenport and his partner Tabatha Eldridge and son Timothy Boston, granddaughters Johanna Davenport Calica and her husband Adam Calica and Elizabeth Davenport and great grandson Charles Davenport.

 Jane lived a very purposeful and impactful 93 years. She will be greatly missed. In fulfillment of her wishes her service and burial will be private.
 

Jane was a class act. I met Jane through two of my sisters who worked for the Red Jacket in North Conway. We use to take Jane out to lunch and shopping. She insisted that we call her by her first name. The first time I met her my sister Kelly and I were picking her up to go to lunch. She comes out of her house wearing leather pants and a red jacket. I knew I she was one cool lady. I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting her. RIP Jane

I met Mrs . D (we came to call her that) while working at the Red Jacket in North Conway. My sisters and I on a few occasions took her out shopping and to lunch. She was a very impressive and strong woman. I am so sad to hear of her passing. My husband and I are now living in the upstairs of the farm house she loved so much. I hope she knows that we are taking excellent care of it and I will always feel her presence there. You will be missed Mrs. D. Thank you for all the time we got to spend together. Prayers and much love to the Davenport family. Tracy Diogo

I have so many fond memories of "Mrs. D." She loved to paint ceramic pieces for her family in my studio in North Conway. We would have tea and talk for hours. She then hired me to have a ceramic painting activity at the Red Jacket Resort, which she called "the Inn." My sincere condolences go out to all of her family and friends who enjoyed having her in their lives. RIP Mrs. D. Love and Peace, Nancy

Sweet Jane, I just heard of your passing I will hold dear all of my memories of you and the times we spent out and about in NH and The Cape. You were always kind to me and made me feel part of the family at Red Jacket. Love you forever Jane. Until we meet again Kelly

Sending our deepest condolences. Jane had a remarkable spirit and her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

One of the classiest ladies I have ever met. She reminded me of royalty women like her are hard to find these days. Rest in peace, my friend You always greeted me with a great smile

One of the classiest ladies I have ever met. She reminded me of royalty women like her are hard to find these days. Rest in peace, my friend You always greeted me with a great smile