Jane E. Ochrymowycz

Ochrymowycz, Jane E. Age 74, of Minnetonka, MN. Passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30th, surrounded by family and friends. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Jane graduated with honors from Hiram College, and earned her Masters degree in Spanish at the Univ. of Iowa, where she met her future husband, Orest Ochrymowycz. They moved to Winona and raised their children, Cindy and David. Jane taught in the Winona Public School system, Winona State University, College of St. Teresa, and St. Mary's University, where she was the Director of the Academic Skills Center. In Winona Jane headed the local affiliate of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and served as the Chair of the Winona Area Alzheimer's Network. After retirement, Jane moved to Minnetonka to be closer to her cherished grandchildren. This opened a new chapter in her advocacy efforts. Jane was active on the Board of Directors of the MN-ND Alzheimer's Association. She chaired the Public Policy Committee and was Board Chair. Her service culminated in the Maureen Reagan National Advocacy Award in 2007. At the time of her death, she was the President of the Seniors and Workers for Quality Coalition, a post held since 2005. She served the MN Dept. of Human Services as a member of the Advisory Boards on Nursing Home Rates and a variety of quality care and staffing issues. She was on the Home Care Regulatory Committee for the MN Dept. of Health, and on the Advisory Board for the William Mitchell Center for Elder Justice & Policy. Jane was very proud to receive the Agent of Change Award from the American Assoc. of University Women (AAUW) in 2004. Jane was a brilliant woman who thoroughly enjoyed travel, concerts & theater with friends, all of her grand- children's events, fundraisers, reunions, her condo association, driving, great food, parties, and Queen Avenue gatherings. Jane lived a life full of compassion. She loved people. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Jim Murphy; their children - Julia, Will, Allison and Grace; extended family; fellow activists; and many, many friends. Jane is preceded in death by her loving son, David. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am, Thursday, January 12th at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis. Visitation one hour prior to service. Luncheon immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to: Doctors Without Borders, Wellstone Action!, Perspectives Family Center, or a charity of the donor's choice. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996