Janet Norma Zehnder-Merrell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearly loved mother, Jane Zehnder-Merrell, whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering support touched all who knew her. Surrounded by her family, she left us peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Her Life and Legacy

Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, Jane was the youngest daughter of John and Norma (Mulholland) Zehnder’s four children. After graduating from Arthur Hill High, Jane attended the University of Michigan where she earned a B.A. with distinction in English, French, and social sciences. After graduation, Jane lived abroad for six years, during which time she taught at the Berlitz School in Paris. She also taught French in England and spent a term at Crown Woods, and at Summerhill, prototype of the ”open” school concept. Jane would receive correspondence from those devoted students and peers for the rest of her life.

Upon Jane’s return to the United States, she moved back to Saginaw where she taught at Saginaw High. She later met and married Herb Merrell, Jr in 1971. Their first child, Emily Rose was born in Saginaw. They then moved to Flint, where Cicely was born, followed closely by Cameron. Needing more space for their growing family, Jane and Herb moved to the small town of Goodrich, where they were awarded Goodrich Library Family of the Year. Jane took her children for weekly visits to the library, and they fondly remember her reading them books before bedtime.

Prior to joining the University of Michigan Flint staff, Jane was educational director at the Flint International Institute. While working at UofM-Flint’s Project for Urban and Regional Affairs, Jane earned her Master’s in Public Administration. Jane moved to East Lansing in 1994, where she served Michigan’s most vulnerable children and families as Kids Count in Michigan Project Director at the Michigan League for Human Services. Over the course of a distinguished career of service to the improvement of child and family well-being in Michigan, Jane served as co-chair to the Child Care Task Force Coalition for Children and Families. She was a leader in the KIDS COUNT network, having served on the advisory committee for three years, including one year as chair of the committee. Jane’s ability to translate complicated data to diverse audiences and connect multiple data points into compelling information, and her understanding of the bigger picture child well-being issues made her an invaluable resource for reporters, other researchers, policymakers, and advocates.

After her retirement from the Michigan League for Public Policy in 2015, Jane pursued her love of travel, music, art, bridge, gardening, films, reading, visiting friends and family, as well as new hobbies she shared with her beloved partner, John Pumplin: sea kayaking, tennis, and choral singing. Jon and Jane travelled together to Europe and China.

Devoted to her family, friends, and everyone she encountered. She was the heart of our home, always offering comfort, wisdom, and encouragement. Her laughter filled our days with joy, and her gentle spirit provided strength during difficult times.

Her generosity extended beyond her family, as she actively participated in community service, lending a helping hand wherever she was needed. Jane believed in the power of kindness and worked tirelessly to make the world a better place.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children, three grandchildren: Shelby Friar, Sean Friar, Lily Merrell, and all those whose lives she enriched. Her devotion to her family was unparalleled, and her love will forever remain in our hearts.

Remembrance

A celebration of Jane's life will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home 1730 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, Michigan at 2:00 p.m. Friday January 23, 2026, where loved ones will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting her spirit of generosity.

Jane Zehnder-Merrell will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the kindness she showed and the love she gave. Rest in peace, Mom.