Jane Hennessy Fortune, 94, of Indianapolis, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.
Jane was born on April 26, 1915 in Sausalito, CA, the only child of Frances Pittman Hennessy and Richard Martin Hennessy.  Following a brief time in California, her parents moved to Indianapolis where she attended St. Joan of Arc Grade School, St. Agnes High School and Butler University. She graduated from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. in 1937 with a B. S. in Journalism. 
She married William Lemcke Fortune, Sr., November 26, 1938 who preceded her in death in 2004. They had four children, Jane Fortune (partner Dr. Robert Hesse), Pamela Fortune-Werbe (husband Daniel S. Werbe), William L. Fortune Jr., (partner Joseph D. Blakley) and Richard H. Fortune.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  One granddaughter preceded her in death.
In the early years, with her husband, they owned and published two weekly Indiana newspapers where her many duties included being the social editor.  Even with the demands of a busy growing family, she also found time to be involved in many local civic organizations and social charities. At various times, she served as the second vice-president of the Indianapolis Garden Club, as a board member of the Indianapolis Junior League, a vice-president of the Women for Better Government, treasurer of the Christamore Aid Society and chairwoman of the Northwood University (Michigan) Library League.  In 1974, she was honored as a Distinguished Woman of Northwood University. 
Jane also was a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Women’s Committee and the Advisory Board of the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana, where she was one of the founding organizers of the instructional summer day camp (Camp Delafield) in 1990. 
In her later years, she was active as a member of the Board of the Advocates for the White River Park in Indianapolis.  She was a member of The Dramatic Club, Woodstock Club and The Leland Country Club.  But above these civic and social involvements, her greatest achievement was being a devoted companion to her husband of 67 years, a loving daughter to her parents and a joyful mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 
She was quick with a bright smile and a touch of humor to everyone who was fortunate to be in her company. Throughout her long full life, she exemplified the epitome of elegance and grace.  With Jane’s husband, Bill, an important theme of their long married life was philanthropy, especially in the areas of the arts, education, environmental preservation and health care.  Through many gifts, they generously supported the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis City Ballet, The American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, Northwood University, Princeton University, the Indiana Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Hoosier Environmental Council, Hoosier National Forest, the Leelanau Conservancy (Leland Michigan), Fishtown Preservation (Leland Michigan), Crown Hill Cemetery Gothic Chapel, The Woman’s Clinic at the St. Vincent’s Hospital Simon Primary Care Center, The Julian Center, The Bonnet House Museum (Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.) and many other charities throughout Indiana. 
Jane was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend, whose charming personality and considerate nature will be terribly missed.  
Private Funeral Services have been entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center – Broad Ripple. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Those who wish to share thoughts with the Fortune family may do so by visiting: www. flannerbuchanan.com