Jane Schollaert, of Indianapolis, Indiana, died on December 4 , 2016  at the age of 84.  Jane’s life was spent loving her family and friends and as a devoted educator. Alice Jane Potter was born on October 1, 1932 to Laurel and Lucille Potter of West Lebanon, Indiana.  She treasured her years on the family farm with her two brothers Dick and Bob, and her sister, Joan. She spoke of her West Lebanon roots often and with love.  Jane raised her family of four children, Cindy, Julie, Steve, and Tim, in Plainfield, Indiana.  She moved to Terre Haute, Indiana in 1976, where she taught at Indiana State University and operated a bed and breakfast from her home.  After retiring from teaching college, she moved to the woods near Lewis, Indiana.  She loved her peaceful life there with her dogs, and frequent visits from family and friends.  Jane moved back to Indianapolis in 2005, where she lived out a full, happy life. She had a lifelong love of learning, receiving her undergraduate degree in Nursery School Education and a master’s degree in Child Development and Family Life from Purdue University.  She obtained a Doctorate of Education from Indiana University.  Whether she was teaching young children or future educators, Jane was passionate about quality early childhood education.  For many years she taught kindergarten at P.S. 52 and 107.  She also taught at Saint Susanna Catholic School in Plainfield.   She was the Educational Director of the Head Start program in Indianapolis during the late sixties, and served on many boards and committees relating to education.  In 1976, Jane began teaching at Indiana State University in the Early Childhood Education Department, retiring in 1998. She taught undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in teaching. She was an active member and officer in the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children.  Following her retirement, she was a Lilly Fellow with the Eli lilly Endowment, working with schools and school boards on educational improvement.  Jane loved to travel and explore the world.  Her memories of trips to the British Isles, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean were precious to her.   Her Galveston Group girlfriends, Carolyn, Joe, and Ken brought joy and adventure to her life on every trip they took together. Jane is survived by her four children, Cindy Schollaert (Steve Marinan), Julie Wilson (Craig), Steve Schollaert (Arlene) and Tim Schollaert.   She was Granny to 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Jane is also survived by her brother and sister in law Richard and Donna Potter and their children and grandchildren, Mary Joan Potter and her children and grandchild, and her niece Susan Potter Freeman and nephew Robert Potter and their families.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Robert Laurel.  Gifts, in Jane’s name, may be made to the Indiana State University Early Childhood Center.   The Family is organizing a private celebration of life for Jane.  Hall-Baker Funeral Home Plainfield is handling arrangements.  

 Service Information