Jennifer Payne

Jennifer L. Payne, 38, died at University of Chicago Hospital at 9:12 am on Saturday, May 28, 2011 from complications of a bone marrow transplant. Jen was born on March 26, 1973, in Michigan City, Indiana to Alan Unger of Houston, TX and Janet (Wood) Unger Kostielney of LaPorte, IN; she leaves behind two cherished sons, Michael (11) and Ethan (10) and her beloved, Michael Retseck. She is also survived by both parents; brothers, Todd Unger of LaPorte, IN. and Aaron (Jenn) Unger of Westville, IN.; step-siblings, Rick (Sherri) Kostielney of LaPorte, IN, Christina (Michael) Orzel of Stillwell, IN, and Tricia (Kris) Peters of Phoenix, AZ, as well as thirteen nieces and nephews and a great nephew. Other survivors include aunts and uncles, Charles Wood of Jamestown, ND, Randi (Lary) Fulham of Cincinnati, OH, Barbara (John) Burleson of Cleveland,ND, and Larry (Val) Wood of New Carlisle, IN., Marilyn (Dick) Smith of Augusta, GA and Gerry (Rod Mullins) Talbut of Tucson, AZ. Jen was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Helen Unger; maternal grandparents, Walter and Betty Wood, and step-father, Jim Kostielney. A graduate of Indiana State University, Jen spent several years as a social worker for the State of Indiana. She had a life-long fascination with weather, which led her to become a Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) member; this led to her position with the LaPorte County Emergency Management Department. She was recruited by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and spent the last several years as the District 1 Emergency Planner for IDHS. The work she did there fulfilled her passion for interacting with local emergency agencies in the face of severe weather and potential terrorism incidents. Jennifer had an infectious laugh and delightful sense of humor. She brought joy into the lives of everyone she met. Her desire to do good for her community led her to create drives and deliver donated materials to the men and women in the Veteran Hospital in Lafayette, to participate in the Plunge for a Cure events at Lake Michigan, and many other volunteering events. She particularly loved her large family and the many activities done together-attending parades and picnics, picking apples, searching for the perfect pumpkins, finding the perfect wine. While her life was far too short, it was well lived. She made this world a better place. Arrangements are being handled by Haverstock Funeral Home 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN, where the family will receive friends, Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 9:00 am, until time of services. Services will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jeff Zigler, officiating. Cremation will take place. A burial of ashes will take place in the Patton Cemetery, following the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Organization (www.pnh.org) or to her sons. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jennifer L. Payne please visit our Sympathy Store.