OBITUARY
Jane McMaster
Age 77 - Columbus, Ohio
Jane McMaster passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024, concluding a long battle with breast cancer.
A tenured Ohio State University educator and the reference librarian of what, under her watch, became the Knowlton School of Architecture Library. Jane was a decades-long partner to hundreds of OSU students (and faculty) as they navigated its vast knowledge base. To those who embraced the idea that every good student’s best friend is the reference librarian, Jane McMaster was, simply, the best.
Jane expanded her activities, beginning in the mid-1970s, to interests as varied as Ohio historic preservation, downtown Columbus development, the Junior League, the Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, and the Franklin Park Conservatory. Her published research included papers that contributed to both the 1st and 2nd National Conference proceedings on American City Planning History.
Jane’s commitment to preserving Columbus’ threatened historic buildings led her to become a guiding member of The Columbus Landmarks Foundation in 1977. Through all this, Jane remained active in the Upper Arlington community as she guided her children through its elementary, junior and high school systems.
After 42 years at Ohio State, Jane retired in 2013 as a distinguished professor emeritus. She had served as president of the American Association of Architecture Librarians and the Council of Planning Librarians, both reflecting the growing reputation of OSU’s libraries among its peers. In 1998, Jane received the Holway Jones Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of Planning Librarians.
Upon retirement, Jane maintained her deep civic and institutional ties allowing her to offer her passion and leadership to many. She set aside time to concentrate on her personal relationships and activities. To that end, Jane became dedicated to a prominent 100-year-old book club, often spending hours reading and researching for discussions. She resurrected her passion for bridge, joining several clubs. Jane was a beloved member of the “yoga ladies” which met weekly for coffee and fellowship for many years. This special relationship brought Jane the companionship, love, and joy that provided her with support for the rest of her life.
More than any accomplishment in her storied career, what Jane cherished most was her family. She adored her husband, children, and grandchildren. Jane was the gravitational force that created the environment for all to flourish around her.
Jane Marie Pepple was born on December 5, 1946, in Fort Wayne, IN, to Stan and Loella Pepple, the first of six siblings whose expanded family now exceeds 36 members. She graduated from Hicksville (OH) High School in 1965, as a member of the National Honor Society and reigning Coronation Queen. She graduated from Miami University, Oxford, OH, in 1969, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, while serving on Mortar Board and as chapter president of Gamma Phi Beta. In 1970 she graduated from University of Michigan with a Masters Degree in Library Sciences.
It was at Miami that Jane met Robert McMaster, whom she would marry on June 27, 1970.
In addition to her husband of 54 years, Jane is survived by her Columbus-area children, Bill McMaster (Jenni) and Sarah Harper (Brett); and her four grandchildren, Isabella and Jackson McMaster, and John and Peter Harper. Also surviving are Jane’s five beloved siblings: Bill Pepple of Clear Lake, Indiana; Janet Yoder of Hamden, Connecticut; Joyce Pepple of Indianapolis; Judy Greffin of Chicago; and Scott Pepple of Denver. Their near-annual foreign trips together have become the stuff of family legend. Jane also loved and was loved by her many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jane McMaster’s life will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. at The Ohio State University School of Architecture’s - Knowlton Hall 275 W Woodruff Ave, Columbus 43210.
For more information, please visit https://www.janemcmaster.com
Special thanks to Rutherford - Corbin Funeral Home of Worthington Ohio for arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please join us in honoring what was most dear to Jane. Donations may be made in memory of Jane to:
The Jane McMaster Scholarship Fund
in the Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University
(Fund #644729)
Mail Checks to:
The Ohio State University Foundation
P.O. Box 710811, Columbus, Ohio 43271-0811.
Please include fund #644729 on any checks.
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Kobacker House, and the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.
Find more information and links to donate at https://www.janemcmaster.com