We cherish each woman in our Women on Fire community so much so that the loss of even one of us affects us all.
Last night one of our beloved members Jane Juergens of Columbus, Ohio was killed tragically. She was in a park — most likely out for a run — and she was stabbed to death by a 16-year-old assailant.
Those of us who knew her well are devastated. She has been a loving, caring, uplifting presence at our retreats and teas, on our members’ Live Chats, and in Jan Allen’s Women on Fire coaching group Life, Ignited.
Photo by Heather Stone
Bright and shining Jane at a Women on Fire event pictured here with Jen Madson
And ignite her life, she did. Jane served as inspiration to us for her bold and courageous move in the past year to leave a solid, steady job to follow her dream and open her own human resources firm.
Photo by Heather Stone
With Jane at last year’s Women on Fire Retreat in Chicago
I had just been with Jane in Columbus on September 26 at a Women on Fire tea at the Cambridge House and several of you were there as well. That night, she was joyful and happy and so proud of the changes that she’d made and the success she was enjoying. She lit up the entire room that night!
Photo by Heather Stone
Having fun in Chicago in 2012, Jane is second from the left.
While Jane was friends with so many, I want to especially send love and wrap my arms around the Women on Fire in her coaching group led by Jan — Laura Tiberi, Mary Jo Hudson, Keena Smith and Nicole Lovett. These women lovingly nurtured and cheered each other on and I can’t imagine how hard it is to lose a member of your precious group.
Photo by Heather Stone
Jane with some her Women on Fire sisters is at the top of the picture
Personally, Jane was a radiant spirit in my life. Always coming from her heart. Living her best intentions. She recently went out of her way to re-connect me to Pam Smith Lucas, the daughter of my father’s best friend, whom I hadn’t seen since I was a child.
That’s just how she was. There to help. There to encourage. There to make life better for everyone.
Photo by Heather Stone
Jane getting a Women on Fire book signed for one of her friends
Ironically, last night, as Jane was no doubt fighting for her life, I received a note from a dear friend comforting me on the recent death of my brother. In part, she wrote:
It’s hard to comprehend when life takes unforeseen turns. Life always hangs on this very fragile string, which can just snap at any moment. It’s precious, so very precious and I am so sorry about your loss.
Those are now my words to you, as I light a candle in honor of our darling Jane.
On behalf of our entire community, we send our love and prayers to Jane’s immediate family, which includes her mother and two sons.
Please know in the coming weeks and months we will find ways to celebrate and honor Jane and to keep her beautiful spirit alive — and you all will be a part of that.
You are invited to share anything you’d like to say about Jane here.
Photo by Heather Stone
With love to you, dear Jane, forever and always.
May you rest in peace ~
