Obituary of Jane Flynn

Jane Royal Hoffman Flynn died peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at The Hearthside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in State College, after struggling with Alzheimer's disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyne S.S. Hoffman and Gladys Carson Hoffman. Surviving Jane are a sister, Elizabeth Hoffman Bistline of State College; a brother, William S. Hoffman of Hublersburg; a sister-in-law, Catherine S.Techmanski-Hoffman; a niece, Lindsay S. Hoffman Bixler of Palmyra; and a nephew, Alex S. Hoffman of Pittsburgh. Also surviving are her Aunt and Uncle, Constance and Richard Harle of Las Vegas, NV. Cousins Karen Patzer, State College, and Kathy, Chris and Tim Carson from Virginia, also survive. Jane graduated from State College High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from Penn State in 1965. She taught English at Bald Eagle Area High School, but her passion was always working with horses. This vision began as a young girl and continued when she trained and rode with former Russian Cavalry Officer Captain Gregory A. Gagarin, while at PSU. She was co-founder of Eastwood Farms, Bellefonte. She was especially proud of founding the Penn State Equestrian team in 1971 and leading the team to a National Championship in 1989. Jane served on the National Board of Directors for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association for 25 years and received an IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. She was also a highly regarded national judge for the Hunter/Jumper Association. In keeping with her wonderful sense of humor, she was known for having her mascot Tacky Fox standing guard at the tack room horse shows and always traveled with Tacky looking out the window of the horse trailer. After leaving the State College area, she worked as the Director of Riding Programs at Ferrum College in Virginia and North Carolina State University, eventually residing in Southern Pines, North Carolina. She loved having a positive influence on young people through teaching riding, and she indeed touched many hearts throughout the years. Her passion continues through her niece, Lindsay, whom she introduced to the world of horses at a young age. Jane will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her excellent horse training abilities, great sense of humor, love of all animals, and talented sewing and craft sense, as well as for enjoying a good party. Keep your heels down, Jane! A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, Pa, 16801, with Reverend Timmie Weinstein Shanahan officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jane's honor may be made to the Penn State Equestrian Team, attn: Donna Basalla, Club Sports, 142 White Building, University Park, Pa, 16802 or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, FL 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or online at www.alz.org. Her family would like to publicly thank The Hearthside for their compassionate care of Jane throughout this difficult journey, as well as Ruth and Lance Cooper, her wonderful friends and advocates for all of their help. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.