Mary Jane "Janie" Kiefer
February 4, 1939 ~ December 17, 2020
Mary Jane Kiefer was welcomed into heaven by her father and mother on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at St. Paul’s Hermitage, Beech Grove, Indiana.
Janie, 81, was born February 4, 1939, in Lebanon, Indiana, to the late Louis John Kiefer and Mary Catherine (Kilfoil) Kiefer. She is survived by sisters, Patricia Ann Kiefer of Seymour, Indiana, and Sally (Jim) Williams of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, Michael (Carole) Kiefer of Saginaw, Michigan; nieces, Cathy (Lou) Huebler, Jane (Louis) Pollard, Julie (Kevin) Conjelko, Ann (Anthony) Schneider, Sarah (Cesar) Amador, Amy (Mike) Metz, nephew, Joseph (Sara) Kiefer; many great nieces and nephews.
Janie was a vibrant and caring elementary school teacher, most recently at Northwood Elementary School, Franklin, Indiana, where she taught many years prior to her retirement in 2000. She also guided students at Seymour-Jackson Elementary School, Seymour, Indiana.
She was a graduate of Vincennes University and Indiana State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also earned a Master’s degree in elementary education from Ball State University.
Janie treasured her many friends and cousins and lived a life of generosity and caring for family members and others. She had a heart for people and wanted to pass on her blessings to others less fortunate.
A devout Catholic, Janie was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church. She also attended Mass on a regular basis at other south deanery parishes. A lover of all things Irish, she will be remembered by her students for her highly personalized version of an Irish jig performed every St. Patrick’s Day.
In an effort to keep family and friends safe, all services will be held privately. The Mass will be livestreamed on the O’Riley Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/orileyfuneralhome/, beginning at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 23, 2020. The burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Vincennes. Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite Catholic charity. O’Riley Funeral Home is serving the family. Visit www.ORileyFunerlHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Jane and I were good friends at Northwood Elementary for many years. She was a true friend and I just loved her. I was in charge of the cafeteria and she asked for my help on many occasions. One I recall was teaching the children how to use their imagination, she came to me with the children and a broom, said can you pretend to ride a stick horse? Of course I could, so I got my broom and we pranced around the cafeteria singing “Happy Trails To You”. Oh the fun, so until we meet again dear friend, Happy Trails “ . Always in my fondest memories. Bless you always for lighting a candle for me even though I’m not Catholic. My prayers to the family, she was a true joy and friend.ߙϰߏ۰ߙϰߏ۰ߙϰߏ۰ߘ‡
Jane and I taught at Riley Elementary in Seymour, 1962-1964, she was third grade and I was second. She was always a very positive person both in her personal and professional life. Jane was definitely someone with whom I enjoyed working. My sympathy to Pat, Sally, Mike, and their families.
I always liked Janie. Actually, I liked the whole Kiefer clan but I was crazy about your mom! I’m so sorry for your loss. Janie was always a bright light with her ever-present smile and quick wit. It’s been years since we have seen each other but I feel the loss of days gone by. I know for a fact, that she was taken straight to heaven by the angels and welcomed into the arms of God and your mom and dad. May she be richly rewarded for her good life. Sr. Mary Luke Jones
As you grieve know that we are remembering you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With love and virtual hugs,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
So sad to hear of Aunt Jane’s passing. We loved her very much. I remember when she caught my wedding bouquet.
Whenever I think of Jane, I can’t help but smile. We were second grade teachers at Northwood Elementary from 1995, when I joined the team until 2000, when Jane retired. What fun we had! Jane was a wonderful teacher and friend. She always had a twinkle in her eye and quick wit that resulted in many practical jokes. One in which she convinced our team to wear our hard hats to a corporation wide meeting of second grade teachers. There she convinced everyone we were required to wear the hats at all times during construction. Of course, this was not the case, but Jane was so convincing. Everyone believed her. It was hilarious! She was a gem. Condolences to the family. Heaven is laughing more since her arrival. As we’re hearing a lot these days, “A life well lived”. Nancy Thompson
My condolences to Mike, Pat & Sally. Mike thanks for helping dad around the house and Pat & Sally thanks for watching us kids a few years back. Your family was always great neighbors. With deepest sympathy. Don Wilde