Obituaries/Viewings
Jane M. Meyer | 61
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Jane Meyer, 61, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023 after a lengthy illness.
She was born September 23, 1961, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Willis and Esther Roth Meyer. At the age of four Jane was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and Esther and Willis made the difficult decision to send their beloved little girl to a residential program in Philadelphia to learn motor and life skills. At the age of eight, thrilled to be back home, she began a program of home-bound schooling. In 1975 the local school district started a class for the physically handicapped and eventually Jane was mainstreamed into a local class for high school. Her high school graduation in 1980 was a proud moment and just the start of a rich life for a ferociously determined Jane. As a young adult, Jane moved to Pittsburgh to take classes in independent living, studying everything from meal preparation and financial management to self-protection and decision-making. In 1986 Jane realized her life-long goal to live independently when she moved into her own apartment at Allegheny Independent House in Wilmerding, PA where she lived for over 20 years. She took college classes, attended baseball games, shopped, spent time with friends, and loved hosting her family. She was a pioneer in independent living, receiving numerous awards for her fortitude and courage.
In 2009 Jane moved back to St Marys to be closer to family, and has lived at Elk Haven since 2011 where she found the care and comfort she needed to make her life full. Jane was proud and excited to accept a position there delivering mail to residents. Her family shares the loss of her brilliant, funny, joyful presence with her Elk Haven family.
Jane loved reading, swimming, Yahtzee, backgammon (games of any sort), football (she loved the Dallas Cowboys) and all types of learning (books, classes). Her life’s motto was “never give up” and her familiar “thumbs up” gesture was her go-to symbol of affirmation and of her unflagging positive attitude. Anyone who engaged with Jane was immediately gifted with her mega-watt smile. The challenge of CP helped to make Jane an extraordinary person whose indomitable spirit touched many lives.
Jane is survived by two sisters: Cindy Sabik (Mark) of Cleveland, OH and Lori Renwick (Joseph) of St. Marys; three brothers: Bill Meyer (Vicki) of Cleveland, OH, Jeff Meyer (Tina) of St. Marys, and Joel Meyer (Jennifer) of St. Marys, and by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her sister Mary (in infancy).
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Queen of the World Church on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 10:00AM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk Haven Nursing Home memorial fund or Elk Haven Nursing Home activities fund, 785 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, 4400 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, https://hmsschool.org/donate/ .
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
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She touched so many people’s lives. From her smile to the thumbs up, it was such a pleasure to know her. She was an inspiration to all she met, she will be sadly missed. ❤️
Dear Cindy and family,
Jane will surely be missed deeply by so many who benefitted from her determination and joy. A shining star, for sure!
We send love and wishes for peace during this difficult time. We wish we could travel this weekend to be with you and offer support.
Sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Denise & Dustin
Lori, Joel, Jeff and your entire family,
We never knew your sister but we knew of her, especially through my conversations with Jennifer at ECC.
She had to be an inspiration to everyone she met and spent time with! What an amazing life and what determination! Your great memories will hopefully help all of you heal as you move forward,
Prayers for all.
Sincerely,
Sandy and Kurt Florig
My condolences to the entire Meyer family, such a beautiful spirit. She showed everyone she met her strength of character, finding joy in everything. She was such a beautiful person.
To the entire Meyer family,
You have suffered a heartbreaking loss and you have my deepest sympathies. I have been missing Jane since leaving Elk Haven and I will never forget her, her socks, her shirts, her word games, or her love of Yahtzee in therapy. Most of all I miss her determination and positive attitude no matter what life threw at her. She truly was an inspiration!
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jane was so blessed to have such a devoted and loving family that she loved dearly.
Jane taught me so much over the years, most notably about inner strength and determination.
I would always refer to her unwavering strength as her “Meyer-Fire,” which would always elicit her trademark beaming smile. She was such a source of joy at Elk Haven and will be deeply missed by us all.
To entire Meyer family,
Jane Will always be remembered. She touched so many people.
RIP Jane
You’re in our thoughts and prayers
God bless you all
Bob and Donna Holjencin
So sorry for your loss. Jane always made my mom smile when she delivered mail at Elk Haven. Angie passed in 2017, but I’m sure she will be greeting Jane when she gets to heaven. Sending prayers to family and friends.
The Catholic daughters will miss her at the monthly birthday parties and bingo. She always made us smile.! Godspeed JANE!
Our heart is broken to read about Jane. She and my mother-in-law Helen were roommates for a short time, but in those few weeks we could she what a special woman she was. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Ken and Mahoney.
This is so heartbreaking to me. Jane was “my girl”. From her admission..we got rid of the urostomy time, and also turned things around to the point that I was feeding her everyday. We competed over who could find the next answer on her computer games….she ALWAYS won lol. She always wanted explanation and medical knowledge of what was going on. She was an inspiration to all and that awesome smile will never be forgotten. I am in Florida and it breaks my heart that I can not attend her funeral. She became more than a patient..she became a friend!!!! Will miss that sweetheart….but in a better place. God bless her devoted family. Prayer sent!!!
I am saddened to read of the loss of Jane. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to her on several visits to Elk Haven when visiting my Mother-in-law. Jane always had a book in her hand when she sat outside with us in the summer sun, and anyone who took the time to listen to her would always learn something new about a book character or what Jane thought about news events or even the ongoing Elk Haven drama. She was such an upbeat, inspiration to me. She was wise, funny (and sometimes stubborn). I enjoyed her company so much.
Jane will be so missed by all of us at Elk Haven. I may not have known Jane long since I’m fairly New at Elk Haven. But Jane sure made a big Impact on me quickly. I would joke with her about those Dallas Cowboys and I would always instantly get that contagious smile. Boy am I going to miss seeing that beautiful smile that always made any of my bad days a little better. I’m very Sorry for your loss I know how much she meant to you. And she sure meant a lot to me in just a few short months so that sure says how Jane could make an impact in anyone life. I’ll miss her Dearly. Love you Jane Forever and Always I’ll remember you.
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy,
Dean, Mary, & Ryan Hanes
Jeff/Tina,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your sister Jane. She led a very productive life, and encouragement to all who will be greatly missed. Her spirit will stay alive in our hearts.
Steve and Linda Thorwart
So sorry for your loss!
Jane was one of those rare individuals that gave all she had to everyone she met!
What a brilliant smile.
Truly an inspiration.
God bless!
To the entire Meyer family,
I am so sorry for your incredible loss. Watching your beautiful family surround Jane with your love was an inspiration. She was so lucky to have all of you. And there’s no doubt you were blessed to have her as your sister. All who knew her will miss her deeply. Soar with the angels Aunt Jane.