Jane Ellen Herman, 54, of London, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She graduated from Piketon High School, where she was a cheerleader, played in the school band and was the lead in multiple musicals, including “Sound of Music,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Oklahoma” and several more. She then worked her way through Franklin University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in business and economics.
She worked briefly for AEP and started a career based on her passion for caring for senior citizens. She became the marketing director for a large assisted living facility in Columbus. She and her husband, Don Herman, then moved back to his hometown in London, where she became the executive director of Madison Senior Living Facility.
After 12 years, she had the “itch” to strike out on her own and fulfill her dream of owning and operating her own assisted living community. That dream came true in January, 2015, when she opened Bluebird Retirement Community in London. She had an unwavering dedication to success and providing superior care and it showed with the support and friendship that residents, employees and family members received at Bluebird.
She also was very spiritual and attended First Presbyterian Church, where she served on the board of directors for the child care center. She was also very involved in the London community by serving on the downtown London business council, as well as being a consultant to two home health care services.
However, she was most passionate about raising her children. She never missed any of their events, whether it was an FFA dinner, National Honor Society fundraiser, volleyball tournaments, tennis matches, golf matches or baseball tournaments. She was always there in the front row cheering them on.
She was born on Nov. 2, 1963, to Phyllis and Burt Higgins. She was preceded in death by her friend and brother, Mike Higgins.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving husband, Don Herman; two wonderful children, Rachel and Drew Herman; sister, Julie (Bill) Pekkala; brother, Mitch (Diane) Higgins; and nieces and nephews, Kevin and Kenton Brake, Aaron (Kristina) Higgins and Josh (Jacqueline) Higgins and Trent (Katie) and Troy (Brittany) Pekkala.
Her family invites her friends to call at First Presbyterian Church, 211 Garfield Ave., in London, on Monday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Her funeral service will be celebrated at the church Tuesday at 11 a.m. An interment service will follow at Kirkwood Cemetery, in London. She will lie in state for one hour prior to the start of the service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rader-Lynch & Dodds Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 124 E. High St., in London.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested memorial contributions be made to the Rachel and Drew Herman College Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rldfh.com.