Jane Ann Christman

Jane Ann Christman, 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at her home with her family by her side. Born March 17, 1935 in Fort Wayne, she was a daughter of the late Donald Romary and Mary Louise (Forbing) Smeltzer. A graduate of Central High School, she worked at Wolf and Dessauer during her high school years. Later, she worked at Hutner’s Paris for several years and was also employed part-time for a local printing company. In her younger years, she enjoyed modeling at Lomont Studio, ice-skating, ballet, tap dance, cheerleading, camping, hiking, and spending time at Lake of the Woods. She married her high school sweetheart and loving husband, Herman “Pinky” Christman on April 25, 1953 while he served in the U.S. Army. After marriage, they moved to Fort Knox, Ky., where she had her first son. She was a wonderful homemaker, amazing counselor, best friend to many, precious wife to Pinky, matriarch of the family, and the best listener; which, she was often referred to as “Dear Abby”. She was a devout, lifelong Catholic and member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for 50 years. A Girl Scout leader, she also volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and at the voting polls. She worked with children that had limited abilities and served on the committee for the first soccer tournament in Fort Wayne. An avid shopper, she enjoyed fashion, shopping, reading, cooking, sewing, canning, playing piano, music, going out to eat, and playing boggle. She held a certificate in foods and nutrition and was very knowledgeable concerning the benefits of nutrition. She loved teaching others her skills and knowledge. She was a down to earth woman who always made others feel welcome. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Herman “Pinky” Christman; children, Steve (Aurita) Christman, Jeanette (Rick) Cutigni, Theresa (Steve) Howard; Shari (Steve) Wiebke, Matt Christman, Ann (Mike) Grutsch, and Jim Christman; 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and brother, David Romary. Her daughter-in-law, Jan Christman, also preceded her in death. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Noon on Monday, October 4, 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Rd., Fort Wayne, with calling two hours prior. The family requests that attendees wear a mask for everyone’s safety. Burial at Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home or to the Masses. Special thanks to her hospice nurse, Nan, Dr. Tribble, and social worker, Barbara, hospice aid, Shannon, along with all of the staff at Visiting Nurse. For online condolences, please visit www.advantagehighlandpark.com.