Jane Goodall, inspiring primatologist and conservationist, passed away on Oct. 1, 2025, but her message summarized in her words: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make,” lives on through her enduring impact.
Dr.Goodall first captured the world’s attention six decades ago for her groundbreaking research in primate ethology. Her discovery that primates possessed complex, human-like emotion transformed scientific and societal understanding. She then went on to become an outspoken conservationist and animal rights activist, founding the Jane Goodall Institute to research and protect great apes, and the international Roots and Shoots program to promote youth activism.
It was through this program that Upper School science teacher Ms. Thome met Dr. Goodall at the Singapore American School, where Ms. Thome taught at the time. In Roots and Shoots, students learned about “helping animals, helping people, and helping the environment,” said Ms. Thome. “A big gift that [Goodall] gave [them] was the idea that it is all connected.”
Outside of the club, Ms. Thome was also able to get to know Dr. Goodall on a personal level. She shared a special moment that occurred between her dog, Shadow, and Dr. Goodall. According to Ms. Thome, Shadow was “a very nervous dog” and was anxious during a dinner event. Then, “Jane got down on the floor and had this eye-to-eye moment with her…You could see that the relationship was very different afterwards,” said Ms. Thome. “She [Shadow] was very relaxed.”
“Every time I saw her [Goodall] after this event, she asked about Shadow. She really loved Shadow and asked me to share this picture [with her].”
Ms. Thome was also struck by Dr. Goodall’s genuine desire for connection and solidarity with others. Ms. Thome’s Roots and Shoots club would sometimes guide visually-impaired Singaporeans along a sensory trail. “They loved getting out in nature because it reminded them of their youth,” she said, “and we loved learning from them.” Dr. Goodall accompanied them on one of these trips. “On this little boat ride on the way over, [Goodall] said to one of my friends, ‘I have to do this blindfolded,’” said Ms. Thome. “He had a red bandana in his pocket, and she wore that the whole time.” Dr. Goodall’s gesture did not go unnoticed. “The visually impaired were so honored” when Dr. Goodall immersed herself in their experience.
Ms. Thome’s friendship with Dr. Goodall continues to impact the way she lives and teaches. “[Goodall] sets such a great example of collaborating with people and trying to live deliberately,” she said. “She has left a huge legacy and something to really strive for.”
Ms. Thome is especially inspired by her friend’s authenticity. “[Goodall] was very herself [whether she was] meeting world figures, [or] meeting kids in villages,” she said. “She was always the same person and that is a beautiful thing.”
Now, Dr. Goodall has left a legacy, inspiring people to be the change they want to see in the world. Ms. Thome remembers her friend’s message: “Every person makes a difference! Do it! take action; don’t give up hope, and reach out!”
Dr. Goodall embodied this, even late in life. “When [Goodall] turned 80, I asked her, ‘Jane, are you going to cut back a little bit?’” recalls Ms. Thome. “She said, ‘Oh no, I am going to accelerate.’”
Dr. Goodall’s hard work can still be felt today. “I feel like she is very present; she is everywhere,” said Ms. Thome. “There are so many clips–so many people doing concerts in honor of her, [showing that] she has had such an impact, and an enduring [one].”
Dr. Goodall was preparing for a tree planting before her passing. After her death, participants still went forward with the event. To honor her, they had a moment of silence and then planted 1,000 trees. “I think that’s a perfect testimony to her,” said Ms. Thome, “and hopefully to her enduring message that we can all make a difference.”
Bridgeen O'Connell • Jan 13, 2026 at 8:49 am
What a great connection and story.