JoAnn (Jody) W. McLane

JoAnn (Jody) McLane passed away peacefully in her home of 62 years on Friday evening surrounded by family. Born in New Orleans on August 18 to John and Frances Welch, she and her family moved to Indianapolis when she was a young child. A “Hoosier” at heart, JoAnn attended St. Joan of Arc grammar school, Shortridge High School and St. Mary’s of Notre Dame. Before meeting her husband, Bill, on the tennis courts of Highland CC, she was a model for Blocks Department Store and various print magazines. After their marriage, JoAnn became an active volunteer in Indianapolis: a founder of the Indianapolis Museum of Art Alliance (Newfields), Starlight Musicals, Junior League and the Eiteljorg Museum. A believer in education, she also served on the Brebeuf Woman’s Board when the preparatory school was founded and the Wabash College Parents Board. Her passion for history, preservation and tradition led to her being a founder of the Meridian Street Foundation which is committed to maintaining the historic preservation of the street on which she lived for over 60 years. A strikingly beautiful lady devoted to her faith and family, she always had an open-door policy while raising five active children. She and her husband loved entertaining, dancing, a challenging game of bridge or backgammon, and attending any sporting event whether it be a sons little league game, races at Keenland or the Indy 500. Family summers on Lake Maxinkuckee or annual trips to Sea Island brought many wonderful memories and smiles to her as time continued to grow. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, of 63 years, sons Robert and John and son-in-law John W. Clark. She is survived by her children Bill (Nancy), Beth Ann Clark, David and grandson, Spencer McLane Clark, and Nancy’s daughters: Katie Floore and Sarah Kerchner. The family wishes to send their deepest appreciation to the ladies who took care of JoAnn and gave her family an additional 10 months of time: Amy, Ann, Ann, Beth, Carli, Jennifer, Leslie, Pam and Suzanne. Family and friends will gather from 10:00 to 11:00am this Friday, October 29th in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke Catholic Church at 11:30. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com to share a personal memory of JoAnn.