Jane Harmeling

Mary Jane Harmeling (nee Zalla), 84 years of age, passed away peacefully on Friday,

October 11 th at her residence with her loving family by her side. “Jane” was born March

6 th , 1940, in Covington, KY, daughter of Andrew Zalla and Katherine (Kunkel) Zalla.

She was the devoted wife of the late Paul G. Harmeling (2010), loving mother to Kevin

Lowry and wife Ellie Lowry, Beth (Lowry) Scarber (Allen), Alison (Lowry) Horne (Peter),

and Amy (Lowry) Bannon (Mark), along with Roxanne (Harmeling) Pounds (Robert),

Denise (Harmeling) Mayhaus (Bob), Scott Harmeling and the late Debbie (Harmeling)

Meiners.

Jane (adorned “Mamaw”) was also a loving Grandmother to 15 Grandchildren and a

Great-grandmother to 14 Great-grandchildren.

A dear sister to Marty Zalla, Carol (Zalla) Hayes (Robert), Tom Zalla, Nancy (Zalla)

McCracken (John), Lynn (Zalla) Rice (Jay), and Daniel Zalla.

Jane obtained her degree as a registered nurse (R.N.) and settled into the field of

Hospice for most of her career. Her passion in the field of hospice is a powerful legacy

for many, including being a dedicated caregiver for her beloved husband Paul, who

lived courageously with ALS for eleven years. Even so, Jane remained a dedicated

employed part time hospice nurse until her 82 nd year. It was her calling.

To know Jane is to feel the warmth of one of her delicious home-cooked meals, or

simply carry a memory of family and friends time at their retirement home in Perry Park,

KY. We remember the simple things about Jane, such as the grandchildren diving into

one of her candy jars, the golf cart rides and a conversation on the porch swing. We

honor Jane as an independent and energetic spirit, an adventurer and a fun-filled travel

partner. In the last ten years, she really looked forward to her yearly trips with her

brother Marty and their crew of friends. Marty and Jane enjoyed cooking together on

these trips, a beautiful, shared talent and special bond. Travel was her joy. She would

always make time for special trips with her children and grandchildren over the years.

Jane was also one of the best friends anyone could hope for. She enjoyed countless

trips with her many girlfriends over the years, enjoyed playing cards with them, and this

usually included some of her delicious homemade food, of course.

If you wanted wisdom, she had it. If you needed an ear to listen, she sat with you. If you

wanted to feel loved, she showed it to you every day in how she lived her life. Kind and

forgiving, open to all. Enduring and courageous, until the end. Embracing each moment,

with grace.

We will miss you mom, grandmother, sister and friend.

A special note of gratitude to Hospice Care of ST. Elizabeth for their loving care and

support for Jane and her family the past few weeks.