Jane Ellen Simmons
September 8, 1952 - March 19, 2022
Durham, North Carolina - Jane Ellen Simmons of Durham, NC passed away on March 19, 2022 after a short illness, surrounded and supported by her family. She was born in 1952 in Asheville, NC and spent her first 18 years on the parental family farm near the Blue Ridge Mountains close to Marion, NC. Upon finishing high school, she came down to Chapel Hill and began her studies at the University of North Carolina, earning a B.S. in Zoology, a M.S.P.H. in Environmental Management and Protection, and a Ph.D. in Toxicology from the UNC School of Public Health. After finishing her studies, she joined the US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, as a Toxicologist. At the EPA she had an active career as a Researcher and Branch Chief until the day of her passing. She conducted important studies in areas like the toxicity of drinking-water-disinfection byproducts, the toxicity of chemical mixtures, and the health effects of exposures to agents like lead and ozone. Jane Ellen was an enthusiastic and deeply caring person who touched many people's lives both in the community and in her place of work. She cared deeply about our stewardship of the Environment and the protection of all natural life. She will be missed by many. She is survived by her husband Roel Schaaper of Durham, NC, her daughter Johanna Schaaper of New York, NY, her brother Stuart Simmons of Marion, NC, her nieces Chandler Martin (San Diego, CA) and Geneva Martin (Cincinnati, OH) and her nephew Robert Martin (Washington, DC). She was preceded in death by her parents Abraham and Martha Tudor Simmons of Marion, NC, and her sisters Edith Martin and Elizabeth Simmons of Durham, NC. Jane Ellen's ashes will be interred at her family's cemetery near Marion, NC at a later date. Those who wish to honor her life may consider a donation to an environmental organization of their choosing.
Online condolences at CremationSocietyNC.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by & on Mar. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane Simmons

Sponsored by Cremation Society of the Carolinas/Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh.

51 Entries

Dr. Anthony DeAngelo, USEPA

October 29, 2022

Jane Ellen was the quintessential colleague, sharing her time and experience with others. She was also a good friend, sitting with me at breakfast time and among the very few visitors when I had my automobile accident. I shall always remember her sitting behing stacks of papers and books, but mostly for her kindness. My condolences to her husband and daughter and to her extended family. I share in your loss.

Lynn Crosby

October 26, 2022

Just learned of Jane Ellen's passing, so very sorry to hear of it. Worked together on drinking water DBP's mixtures research and always really appreciated Jane Ellen's intelligence, good sense, and passion for science. As a human being, you could not ask for a better person, very warm and friendly and always helpful and mentoring.

Yolanda, Yusupha Sey Family

May 9, 2022

To the family,
It is our deepest and most sincere condolences to you and Johanna for the loss of your beloved wife and mother. She meant a lot to many people at work and the community at large. Her caring and compassion for humanity was second to none and her concern for the welfare of others was also our favorite trait of hers. She was a role model and an example that will be hard to replicate and her never ending optimism and devotion was exemplary. God speed and may she rest in peace.

Delores Sellers

April 27, 2022

To the family of Jane Ellen Simmons. I am deeply saddened by your loss. I express my sincere sympathy to you. I remember Jane Ellen was always such a busy person always in a rush, but she took the time to laugh. She had such a beautiful laugh that came from deep down inside.

How you can show support

Notify Me

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Jane Gallagher

April 26, 2022

Jane Ellen worked hard, was a team player, impacted Environmental Health, supported her colleques and selflessly mentored students. She made you want to be a listener, kind , earnest and fun ---like her. There is a hole in my heart today and I´m sure at the US EPA. My sincere condolences to her beloved family.

Bill Fisher

April 22, 2022

Jane Ellen will be missed by all who had the opportunity to see firsthand her enthusiasm for life, science and friendship. Rest in peace and know you have left us a better world.

Sarah Warren

April 21, 2022

I love the picture of Jane Ellen that was chosen for this obituary! It shows a fun-loving and potentially sassy younger Jane Ellen - thank you to her family for sharing this captured moment. I was fortunate to get to work with Jane Ellen & see some of that spark in her. She was also very caring, kind, and generous with her time - even as she was always busy working. My heart goes out to her family.

Stephanie DeFlorio-Barker

April 21, 2022

Jane Ellen was most recently my branch chief and mentor. She was so supportive of the advancement of my career but also the importance of work/life balance. She was truly an inspiration and I miss our bi-weekly chit chats about work, career, kids, and life. I'm so sad that I didn't get to work with her more in person. I miss her terribly.

John Wambaugh

April 21, 2022

It was an honor working with Jane Ellen -- her enthusiasm and earnestness were infectious and made us all better for knowing her.

Cristina Postigo

April 20, 2022

I was fortunate to work with Jane Ellen for two years at the US EPA. She was my mentor during my post-doc research stay there, but also my friend and my " US mother". I will never forget that she and her family hosted me the first days in the US after my arrival and made me feel like at home. Although she was one of the busiest persons I´ve ever met, she always had some time to chat a little bit and encourage me to go on working when things were not going in the right direction. Definitely I owe her part of the success in my research career. I also remember how she involved in my wedding with Jose. I was never fond of making a big thing of this wedding, but she did. She insisted in buying me the bouquet and offered us a lunch. So definitely it was a pleasure to share with her such a special day, my husband and I keep a very special memory from that day. We will keep her and her smile always in our heart. My condolences to the family and friends for such an early loss.

Cristina Postigo

April 20, 2022

Cristina Postigo

April 20, 2022

Cristina Postigo

April 20, 2022

I was fortunate to work with Jane Ellen for two years at the US EPA. She was my mentor during my post-doc research stay there, but also my friend and my "US mother". I will never forget that she and her family hosted me the first days in the US after my arrival and made me feel like at home. Although she was one of the busiest persons I´ve ever met, she always had some time to chat a little bit and encourage me to go on working when things were not going in the right direction. Definitely I owe her part of the success in my research career. I also remember how she involved in my wedding with Jose. I was never fund of making a big thing of this wedding, but she did. She insisted in buying me the bouquet and offered us a lunch. It was a pleasure to share with her such a special day, my husband and I keep a very special memory from that day. We will keep her and her smile always in our heart. My condolences to Roel and Johanna and all the persons that shared good moments with Jane Ellen for such an early loss.

John Vandenberg

April 20, 2022

When I think of the 30+ years I worked with Jane Ellen the word Joy comes to mind. She would very often laugh, even giggle, and light up every room with her presence. And she wore her heart on her sleeve. More than anyone else what I saw with Jane Ellen was tears of Joy. I chased after her for months to have her take her final Branch Chief job, and when she finally agreed she had tears in her eyes, of Joy. Tears that I was confident she would be successful taking on a new challenge, to use her incredible talents to lead an incredibly talented group. At our annual review, again it was tears, of Joy, that she was successful in her job, and wanted. She worked so hard to do right by everyone. She was a Joy to work with and is missed. My deepest condolences to her family and to her many friends.

Michael Wright

April 20, 2022

JaneEllen was one of a kind beautiful individual with an unmatched passion for science and kindness and generosity to all people who she interacted with.
Second to only to her love of family, her enthusiasm for the science was immediately evident in all interactions. She set such a high bar for the rest of us who taught workshops with her for many years on different topics. JaneEllen was a friend to all and the moments we shared particularly at the Gordon Conferences on DBPs and other meetings will be remembered fondly.
JaneEllen was a tremendous presence and force in the workplace and in life, and while this represents a big loss to all who were fortunate to be touched by her, her remembrance will continue to be an inspiration for the rest of us.

Marieka Boyd

April 20, 2022

I will miss Jane Ellen's warmth, vibrancy, positivity, and magnetism. It was a pleasure working with her these past 2 1/2 years. She made such an impact on me personally that I will never, ever forget her. To Roel and Johanna, my sincerest condolences go out to you and your family. Jane Ellen was such a blessing to us all!

Cristina Postigo

April 20, 2022

I was fortunate to work with Jane Ellen for two years at the US EPA. She was my mentor during my post doc research stay there, but also my friend and my "US mother". I will never forget that she and her family hosted me the first days in the US after my arrival and made me feel like at home. Although she was one of the busiest persons I´ve ever met, she always had some time to chat a little bit and encourage me to go on working when my research work was not going in the right direction. Definitely, I owe her part of my success in my research career. I also remember how happy she was when I told her that I was marrying the guy I had just met in Spain before coming to the US so we can stay together in the US. I was never fund of making a big thing of this wedding, but she did. She insisted in buying me the bouquet and offering us a lunch. So definitely it was a pleasure to share with her such a special day. My husband and I keep a very special memory from that day. We will keep her and her smile always in our heart. My condolences to Johanna and Roel and all those persons that got to know her.

Lara Phelps

April 20, 2022

Jane Ellen was class act all of her own. Always putting others first and making everyone a equal part of everything she touched. It was a privilege to work with her and know she was more than a colleague, but instantly a friend. I'll always treasure having been part of one of her many published accomplishments. I know the invaluable memories we all have will help her live on with us. Prayers and blessings to you all.

Tom Speth

April 20, 2022

Jane Ellen was a outstanding scientist and generous beyond belief. She will be missed.

Mary Ross

April 20, 2022

Whenever my path crossed with Jane Ellen's, it was like walking into a burst of sunshine. She was always welcoming and kind and just a joy to be around. She is leaving a big hole in our world.

Kathleen Wallace

April 20, 2022

The loss of Jane Ellen leaves a huge hole in our lives. The work place will not be the same without her. We share the weight of your loss and wish you peace.

JENNIFER ORME-ZAVALETA

April 20, 2022

Jane Ellen was a loving person dedicated to EPA's mission and her research. I am so grateful to have known her and worked with her these past 30+ years. My thoughts are with her family who I hope find comfort in fond memories with Jane Ellen

Kelly Witter

April 20, 2022

My sincere condolences to Jane Ellen's family. We became friends when our kids were at First Environments and that friendship led Jane Ellen to regularly volunteer as a mentor with the Shaw Apprenticeship Program and to support her staff to mentor. Most recently, she was a virtual mentor for a high school student last school year. What I will miss most about Jane Ellen is her smile and enthusiasm when we would see each other walking around the EPA building. Whether the conversation involved work, our kids, or something else, it was always upbeat. To Johanna, I'm Dillon's mom and would love to say hello the next time I'm visiting in NYC.

Ila Cote

April 20, 2022

She was a great lady and a joy to work with.

Mark Strynar

April 20, 2022

I never got to work directly with Jane Ellen on any of her scientific endeavors at EPA. However I had ample time to talk, laugh and discuss life/science with her over the years. I will recall her infectious smile, her kind demeanor and her wit in all of our interactions. I will also note she was also pretty easy to pick out of a crowd. I was so sad to hear of her passing and I want to pass on my condolences to her family. Know that Jane Ellen is dearly missed from her work family as well.

Bill Mundy

April 20, 2022

A colleague in the effort to protect human health, a friend, and a great person. She will be missed.

Anna Champlin

April 20, 2022

Jane Ellen was a very generous and kind person, and always very quick to share her gratitude or words of encouragement. She, and her sunny and positive attitude, will be missed.

Doug Wolf

April 19, 2022

I first met Jane Ellen when I joined the EPA in 1997. She and I worked on a number of projects and were branch chiefs together. I so much enjoyed working with her and we would talk often. I appreciated her wise council, her creativity in science, and her wonderful humor. You always knew when Jane Ellen was in the hallway because you would hear her laugh. She was a treasure, and while I have not worked with her since I left the EPA in 2013, we did cross paths several times in the intervening years. She was one of those rare people that made all those around her feel better just being in the same room with her.

Stig Regli

April 18, 2022

Dear Family of Jane Ellen,
I grieve with you over the passing of Jane Ellen. She was a dear friend and colleague for thirty years while I worked as a regulation manager and senior policy advisor with the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water in Washington DC. Our Office frequently relied on Jane Ellen for cutting edge insights on her team´s latest research particularly in support of regulations for disinfection byproducts. She was always there for us when we needed her most with her keen intellect, knowledge, communication skills, and compassion in helping her colleagues and serving the public. We shared many hours together on the phone and at conferences and I will be forever grateful for knowing Jane Ellen throughout most of my career. She lived fully by giving fully with great kindness.
Peace and Blessings

Susan Richardson

April 18, 2022

Jane Ellen had such innovative ideas, and the Four Lab Study will be a legacy of her science. She could always figure out how to put the right people together and make things happen. She wasn´t just about publishing good papers, but cared deeply about the environment and human health. There are not many like her.

I will treasure Jane Ellen the rest of my life. She was truly special. Smart, saavy, enthusiastic, a tireless leader, joyful (always with that incredible smile), caring, and thoughtful. Family was always first, and she deeply loved her friends. I am so blessed to be counted among them. I just wish we had more years with Jane Ellen. She left us much too soon.

Holly Mortensen

April 8, 2022

Jane was a force. I did not get the chance to work with her closely, but she was a kind and supportive mentor in many, many ways. She will be sadly missed.

Jennifer & Michael Hollander

Planted Trees

Qingyu Meng

March 31, 2022

I was so sorry to hear of Jane Ellen´s passing. Jane Ellen was a passionate scientist and a caring leader, always showing genuine support. Although I didn´t have a chance to work with her, I really appreciate all the discussions with her at conferences and over the phone. She will be greatly missed.

Robin Harris

March 31, 2022

I worked with Jane Ellen soon after joining the EPA in 2001. She was passionate about her work and I enjoyed helping her get what she needed on contract. Condolences to our EPA co-workers, her family and friends.

David Hollandsworth

March 31, 2022

Jane Ellen was intelligent and enthusiastically optimistic; listening to her zeal about her work and EPA's mission was a joy. She will be missed.

Glenn Rice

March 31, 2022

Jane Ellen was an outstanding scientist and friend. She will be sorely missed both personally and professionally.

Jen Richmond-Bryant

March 30, 2022

I was sorry that Jane Ellen started at CPHEA just as I left the EPA, because I think I would have really enjoyed working with her. In all of my interactions with Jane Ellen, she was very thoughtful and made clear her desire to support her staff and the mission of our work. May happy memories of her be a comfort to all who loved her.

Bill Benson

March 30, 2022

Jane Ellen was a remarkable person. She was kind, gentle and intelligent. I think of Jane Ellen fondly as she was always ready to bring her concerns forward in a highly professional manner and willing to offer a helping hand whenever asked. Jane Ellen will be missed by all those who had the distinct pleasure of working with her and getting to know her - she touched many people.

Tristan Ohl

March 30, 2022

I worked with her in an administrative role, and always enjoyed chatting with her about the NC symphony and music. My sincere condolences.

Tom Long

March 30, 2022

I was so sorry to hear of Jane Ellen's passing. She was a wonderful colleague, an excellent scientist, and always had something clever to say that would lighten and brighten every situation. Please know your family is in our thoughts.

Jan Dye

March 30, 2022

My thoughts are with you all. I attached a picture from around 2016 from one of the many celebrations that Jane Ellen so enthusiastically participated in. You can see her smiling as she listened to the program. We will all miss her ... and her smile.

Jim Brucknerr

March 27, 2022

Jane Ellen and I worked closely together for years on several major toxicology research projects. She was always a caring, gentle and enthusiastic colleague.

David Williams

Planted Trees

Ed Croom

March 26, 2022

To protect health, water, land and air,

And the staff, kin and friends in her care,

Many people could say,

Was the Jane Ellen way,

Plus the wisdom and warmth she would share.

She was a good boss and an even better person.

Susan Thomas Mace

March 25, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Jane Ellen's passing. I will always remember her playing basketball and her witty personality.

Cheryl Triplett

Planted Trees

Nancy Monteiro-Riviere and Jim Riviere

March 25, 2022

We are so sorry to hear about Jane´s passing. We both knew and collaborated with Jane over the years in the Triangle. In addition to being an extremely competent toxicologist, she was always a happy individual with a positive attitude. It was always a pleasure seeing her. We are sure she will be sorely missed.

Kate Guyton

March 24, 2022

I'm very sorry to learn this sad news. Jane Ellen's wonderful spirit and important contributions to environmental health will live on in our memories. My thoughts go to the family at this time of grief and loss.

MICHAEL HAYS

March 23, 2022

I was lucky enough to have met and worked with Jane Ellen at EPA. She was wonderful. Intelligent, caring, and kind are what come to mind when thinking about her. She will be sorely missed. Sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones.

Carolyn Pettiford-Ryals

March 23, 2022

My Dear Jane Ellen, she were my friend. She had a very special warm loving spirit. We shared personally conversation at times. I will miss her because she was Genuine. My prayers are with the family.

Bishop Jacqueline Walton

March 23, 2022

My deepest heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your loved one. She will be deeply missed.

Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results