Jane B. Converse

Jane Bodman Converse, 82, of Peoria Heights, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after many years spent carrying the cross of a serious illness. She was the middle child of Stan and Dorothy Bodman, born on March 10, 1942, in St. Louis, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her younger brother, Stanley Bodman; her husband, Ralph Converse; and her sister, Julia Faust.
She grew up in Webster Groves and Ladue, Missouri; and Clarendon Hills and Winnetka, Illinois. She graduated from New Trier High School and was a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Illinois, where she was first in her class in the College of Journalism. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and a varsity cheerleader for football and basketball. Following graduation, she worked for J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in Chicago, followed by American Hospital Supply in Evanston, Illinois.
Jane married her college sweetheart, Ralph J. Converse, on October 17, 1964. They lived in Evanston, Illinois, and had their first child, Amy Kristin Converse. From there they moved to Winnetka, where their second child, Edward (Ted) Bodman Converse, was born. In 1980, they moved to Peoria Heights, Illinois.
Jane was a devoted mother to her children and to her son-in-law, Andy Schlicksup, and daughter-in-law, Kara (Petit) Converse. Jane cherished her relationships with her sister, cousins, in-laws, and nieces and nephews. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren; she treasured being a grandmother and spending time with Georgia, Janey, Jack, Sophie, Kate and Jake.
Jane cared deeply for the Peoria community and was involved in organizations such as the United Way Pillar Society, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Peoria Zoo, Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Peoria Civic Center Commission, Peoria Historical Society, OSF College of Nursing Board (serving as president), and many more. She renovated and preserved two downtown buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
She had many professions throughout her life, working in commercial advertising, as a marketing research consultant, author of a marketing textbook for Cornell University, co-author of And Dignity for All (a book on leadership), creative director at Multi Ad, vice president at LR Nelson, and founder of Converse Marketing.
Jane was a member of First Federated Church, University of Illinois President's Council, Country Club of Peoria, Peoria Rotary Club, and Ventana Canyon Tennis and Golf Club in Tucson, Arizona.
She was always curious and a lover of new things. She was a talented artist (liked to paint), a great cook (Chile Relleno was a crowd favorite), and a natural athlete (excellent tennis player). She and her husband enjoyed golf and traveling with family and dear friends. Whether she was on the beaches of the Outer Banks, rafting down the Colorado River, adventuring on an African safari or enjoying the mountain views of Tucson, she brought her beautiful smile and fun-loving spirit.
There are no words to express how grateful and blessed we are by Jane's team of caregivers. The love she received is priceless. They showed her dignity and respect and were dedicated to learning who Jane was as a person. It was incredible to behold. The family would also like to thank the wonderful team at OSF Richard L. Owen's Hospice Home.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Jane and her family.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at First Federated Church, 3601 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, Ill, 61604. Visitation from 9:00-11:00am with a funeral service at 11:00am and burial to follow at Springdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Peoria Zoo or to the Springdale Cemetery Historical Foundation.
Friends and family may visit www.wrightandsalmon.com to leave condolences and memories.