Jane Claire McDaniel

(Arentz)

Lynwood, IL

Jane McDaniel, 92, passed away at her home on May 6, 2020. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Louis McDaniel; parents, Edgar and Lovina Arentz; sister, Edith (late William) Evans and brother, Fred (late Marjorie) Arentz.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie M. (William) Dickey, Nancy L. (Dennis) Noworyta, Tom L. (Terri) McDaniel and Mark L. (Karla) McDaniel. She was a beloved grandmother to Shawn (Hannah), Abigail, Ryan, Alexa (Greg) and great grandchildren, Ryker, Brayden, Aurora and Lincoln. She was a dear aunt to many nieces and nephews and had a special bond with her sister in law, Ethel (late Richard) Wagenblast.

Jane was born on April 1, 1928 in Hammond, IN and was a graduate of TF North High School. She loved school and was active in many clubs and activities. She was a proud National Honor Society member and her induction was something that she cherished. Her meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills and love of business set her on a career path to being an executive secretary. She had an acute affinity for shorthand and typing. Her fluid and beautiful penmanship marveled those who were a lucky recipient of her handwritten notes. She took pride in her perfectionistic traits that benefitted those fortunate employers. Her employment path included a bank, utility company, railroad, medical lab and eye doctor.

She met the love of her life, Louis McDaniel at a Youth for Christ gathering. They married on February 19, 1949 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage. As a woman of faith, she raised four children with spirituality woven deep into their daily lives. She warmly welcomed and deeply loved their spouses as if they were her own. Grandchildren were cherished and integrated into the fabric of her life. Pictures captured the precious joy of interaction. There was an inevitable honoring of the lineage of family when gatherings were held. Jane’s authentic self and genuine spirit was contagious to both family and friends. The words, “I love you”, flowed freely and unconditionally. She served as the maternal figure to so many people.

Jane opened joy when she filled her time with numerous activities after retirement. She attended First United Methodist Church in Lansing, worked as a volunteer for literacy, loved her Over 50 group and participated in the Lansing Garden Club. Her friendship clubs spanned over eight decades with storytelling, laughter, tears and support. Her dear friends created loving guides to one another. It is elusively basic that the reciprocity in friendship yields powerful love. She expressed sincere gratitude for her best friend June who was steadfast in their friendship and served as the historian for their memories. A common thread of laughter, family stories and fond experiences was shared with her dear friend Betty. Too numerous to mention, but not without special significance included her monthly lunch gatherings with her most cherished friends.

Jane’s love transcended into the furry domain. She found much comfort with her feline and canine children throughout the years. She was a patient and loving fur mom. Mia, her constant companion for the past three years provided much solace when health matters were at stay.

To know Jane McDaniel was to know love in its purest form.

Funeral Services will be streamed live on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 12:00 PM with Pastor Vinnie Adams officiating. Please log in at www.facebook.com/chapellawnfuneral a few minutes prior to service time. Jane will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, IN.