Jane Leslie Simerman

Jane L. Simerman (née Neusbaum), 64, passed away peacefully on a beautiful spring Sunday surrounded by her three children. Born and raised near downtown Fort Wayne, Jane graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1979 and went on to earn an Associate Degree in Commercial Art from IPFW. A lifelong artist, she explored countless mediums and found joy in every creative endeavor.

In 1984, Jane married, and in 1990 welcomed her first child, Heather Joy, followed by Tanner in 1992 and Nathan in 1993. After the birth of Heather Joy, she stepped away from her career as a graphic designer to focus on motherhood. Motherhood was something she valued deeply. It was a calling that she poured her love and creativity into every part of. Jane had a special ability for many creative endeavors, including sewing, quilting, crocheting, storytelling, calligraphy, illustration, painting, writing, and many other types of crafts.

Upon retiring from Brotherhood Mutual in 2021 after fifteen years, Jane pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an author, making it a reality. Under her pen name, Jackie Zack, she published 12 books and several additional works. She devoted herself to many years studying and honing her craft. Jane always had a thoughtful, light-hearted sense of humor, and committed many long nights refining her work. She was an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, where she found encouragement, friendship, and a strong community of fellow writers. Though partial vision loss eventually forced her to step back from writing full-time, she retained her tenacity and, even after, continued to create art and pursue her projects whenever she was able.

Jane’s life reflected grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. Selfless and generous in life and love, she possessed a quiet strength that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Though we mourn the loss of this truly sweet and precious soul, her light endures in the lives she touched and the stories she told.

Jane is survived by her children, Heather Joy, Tanner, and Nathan; her mother-in-law, Suzanne; her half-sister, Jenni; her sisters-in-law, Anne, Kelly, and Diane; her nieces, Esther and Lauren; her cousins, Mike and Lisa; and her aunt, Carole. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul, beloved mother, Yvonne, and her grandmother, Daisy, with whom she is now reunited in eternal peace and love.

An open house celebration of life will be held at Central Ministries (5801 Schwartz Rd, Fort Wayne) on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.