Jane Hanger Seeley

She passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William Scott Seeley, her father, Colonel John William Hanger, mother Annie Laurie Hanger, her sisters, Ann Wiseman, Fran Brooks (John), and her brother John William Hanger II. Jane is survived by her loving family, son Krishna William (Savitri); daughter, Carey Ann Seeley (Lou) Dzierzak; grandchildren, Ravi Kumar Seeley (Alexis), Arun William Seeley, Taylor Mark Dzierzak, Claire Katherine Dzierzak, Emily Jane Dzierzak, and Jack Seeley Dzierzak; great-grandchildren, Noah Krishna, Silas Narayan and Azella Elizabeth, and several nieces and nephews. Jane was born on December 14, 1938, in Fitzgerald, GA, and lived in several places while her family toured with her father, a Colonel in the United States Army. Some of her fondest memories were the times she spent in Okinawa as a teenager and the summers in Germany while she was in college.

Jane was a life-long social service advocate! She was passionate about combating racism, sexism, and ageism. She was a long-time leader in the Twin Cities Gray Panthers and worked to end discrimination for ALL people. She graduated from the University of Georgia and received her Master's in Divinity from Yale Divinity School. She was a Freedom Rider during the civil rights movement and helped integrate the University of Georgia. She moved to Minneapolis in the mid-sixties. She was a campus minister at the University of Minnesota, leading several trips to the YMCA’s Camp Menogyn. She went on to serve in a leadership role at the YWCA and was the Executive Director at Camp Fire. She ended her working career as the Director of Family and Community Services at East Side Neighborhood Services in Northeast Minneapolis.

Jane had a very vibrant volunteer and family life. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, and aunt to her family! She was a Girl Scout leader, leading her daughter and friends with a focus on social justice topics. She was a humanitarian and believed in non-violence and peaceful practices. Jane was a fantastic hostess and enjoyed cooking and arranging flowers with elegance. She was an avid sports fan and loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She leaves her legacy of peace and justice with her children, family, and friends. We will love and miss you! xxoo

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 11 am at First Congregational Church of MN, 500 SE 8th Ave., Minneapolis, 55414. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Congregational Church of Minnesota or the Alzheimer’s Association.