Mrs. Dane is a thirty-eight-year-old woman, who is rather obese. Not only is she obese, but she is also diabetic. Luckly she is an M.A. in psychology, and and a counselor in mental health. Besides the fact that she has serious health complications, she does have a beneficial strategy of being able to help with people who have mental health problems.
Therefore, on an unpopulated island with knowing that you had to kill off four people, and with not knowing when you will be able to see other humans - someone who can calm down others is muchly appreciated. Mrs. Dane is also married to Mr. Dane, and Bobby, therefore she has experience working with children, and it would be devistating to take the whole entire family, and not the mother.