Jane Catherine Forester-Leong, the smiling face of Hawaii tennis for 20 years, died at home in her sleep Sunday. She was 63.
Forester-Leong nurtured the USTA’s Hawaii Pacific Section from its infancy, helping it grow into the country’s largest section per capita with an emphasis on inclusion and an innate kindness.
"Everyone liked Jane because she was so genuine, warm, friendly and fun, quick to giggle," said Theresa Paulette, a close friend. "Plus, she’d toss in that Southern accent and charm once in a while. And, probably most of all, because she loved everyone."
Forester-Leong was inducted into the section’s Tennis Hall of Fame last year. The section’s first employee was honored for a 21-year career spent mostly as executive director. She retired in 2001 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Husband Paul Leong was her devoted caregiver the last decade of her life.
The disease, sometimes called "The Long Goodbye," eventually took her memory, mobility and ability to communicate, but it never took her sweet nature. That was too deeply ingrained.
Forester-Leong was born in Winston-Salem, N.C., and her southern roots and gentle honesty helped her blossom in Hawaii. The first section office in Hawaii was in her home, with a typewriter, two boxes, a budget of $1,500 and fewer than 1,000 members. There were nearly 7,000 members and a budget of $700,000 when Forester-Leong left.
"She built the USTA office from the ground up as the first executive director of the USTA Hawaii Pacific Section," said Bill Leong (no relation), who worked for the section before becoming executive director of the USTA’s Pacific Northwest Section. " She was the face of Hawaii tennis on and off the court for more than two decades. She represented Hawaii tennis with class and dignity and was well respected and loved by all her colleagues and national staff. "
Forester-Leong initiated the extremely popular tennis leagues and affordable lessons and introduced schools and junior development programs. The annual tournament schedule of 20 events grew to more than 100. She helped bring professional tennis to Hawaii, with Davis Cup and USTA Pro Circuit events complementing a thriving Grand Prix series for local pros.
She was also instrumental in starting the annual tennis weekend, which brought all the game’s different facets together and attracted personalities like Nick Bollettieri, Roscoe Tanner, Vic Braden and Jack Kramer. It became the section’s primary fundraiser and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
What Forester-Leong might have done best was simply share her passion for tennis with players, loyal volunteers, employees and everyone attracted to the gentle honesty she was known for. She had a way of making them all feel special. Daughter Shea Boulware-Creed knew that better than anyone.
"She is, by far, the most unselfish person I ever met," Boulware-Creed said of her mother. "She never once thought about herself first. It was always about pleasing others and having fun. It was not like her to dwell …if something bad happened, she would just solve all her problems by going for a walk on Kailua Beach."
Forester-Leong is survived by husband Paul Leong, daughter Shea Boulware-Creed, stepdaughter Jennifer Leong Fitzgerald and stepsons Adam Leong and Chris Leong. She is also survived by sisters Alice Forester Keiger and Betty Ann Forester Faunce, and brothers Stanley Forester Jr., Michael Day and Harry Day.
There will be a "Celebration of Life" for Forester-Leong’s family and friends Friday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Waialae Country Club. No flowers please.
