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2007 11 16

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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n23)

Tribute to Jane Pepper: Broad Ripple resident - By H.L. Herman

posted: Nov. 16, 2007

By H.L. Herman

Editor's Note: While the Broad Ripple Gazette wished to participate in the coverage of Jane Pepper's death on October 25, 2007, we felt that we could not do justice in keeping the community updated on a daily basis. However, when a concerned resident contacted us asking to write a tribute article about the person she was, rather than the victim she became, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to introduce her to fellow village residents and neighbors that may not have known her as someone who loved what she did and cared about her community. We hope you will read Ms. Herman's piece in this issue and the next.

Late Thursday evening, October 25, 2007, a terrible thing happened in Broad Ripple. Jane Ellen Pepper was murdered. On November 3, Jane would have turned 45.

There have been numerous written and televised news reports about Jane and her death. As the result of the news coverage, everyone working or living in Broad Ripple should know something of who Jane Ellen Pepper was.

I would like to reiterate some of this, add to it what I have heard and read about Jane from other sources and explain how I, a complete stranger, have not been able to put this out of my mind.

It was said by many that Jane's kindness and generosity flowed naturally and without effort. Our first awareness of this special person who lived in our midst is thanks to the Indianapolis Star article written by Vic Ryckaert, dated October 30.

It represents the earliest public snapshot of Jane Pepper and gives us an idea of what happened to her or as much as what was known at the time.

Jane was born in 1962 and grew up in Kettering, Ohio. She went to Purdue University where she received a Bachelor's Degree in communications and public relations. While at Purdue, Jane became a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. As a member, she was active in cystic fibrosis fundraising, a cause to which she remained dedicated until her death. For most of us, volunteering is something we do occasionally. For Jane Pepper, it was an integral and frequent aspect of her life.

After graduation, she came to live here in Indianapolis. Her Broad Ripple apartment was home these past 15 years or so. The city of Indianapolis and her residents, including the community of Broad Ripple, were fortunate that she chose to live here.

What these facts don't readily reveal is that Jane Pepper was one of those few people that was so well loved, remembered with such fondness, respect and admiration, that to someone who did not know them personally, they almost seem unreal.

The words and phrases used in referring to Jane are some of the loveliest and most touching one could ever imagine. Friends and relatives recall her "sweet smile," and "infectious laugh." They say her "excitement and enthusiasm were contagious," and she was "full of life." Jane was giving, kind and a "ray of sunshine."

Neighbors attest to what a "lovely person" Jane was. She was helpful to the older residents of her apartment complex and she put much love and effort into tending the courtyard garden.

Vic Ryckaert's article quoted Andrea Demink Kaufmann, director of the PourHouse, as saying Jane, "was like liquid sunshine." The PourHouse is the organization for which Jane was helping to raise funds that Thursday.

The more I read and heard about Jane in the week following her death, the sadder I became knowing that this beautiful woman was so senselessly murdered. Out of this sadness came the desire to reach out to her family. The following day, Sunday, the obituary was published. I sent them a card and then continued to follow the news reports.

When the Volume 4 Number 22 issue of the Broad Ripple Gazette came out, I went through it quickly, specifically looking for something about Jane. I was so glad that Lisa Battiston wrote about it that I sent her an email.

I said to Battiston that I could relate to her thoughts and feelings - they were so similar to my own. I, too, wondered if I had an "almost encounter" with Jane somewhere in Broad Ripple. Maybe we shopped at the same stores or passed on the street. And we both wondered about the kitties. What has happened to them?

After exchanging several emails, we discovered other similar thoughts. One, that the Gazette should publish something more extensive. And two, that Broad Ripple should be reminded that IMPD has not yet made an arrest and may still need information. One thing led to another, the Gazette asked and I "volunteered" to write something.

Continue reading Ms. Herman's story about Jane Pepper in the next issue of the Gazette. If you have any comments, condolences or memories of Jane that you would like published alongside her story, please email ashley@broadripplegazette.com.

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