Jolene Poland

Jolene Poland, age 50, passed away on April 7, 2025. 

Jolene was born to Keith and Sandra Lae Poland in Toledo, Ohio on December 21, 1974, the first day of winter. She was their Christmas gift. Her birth prompted her parents to move from Toledo to nearby Waterville, a small village on the Maumee River, where home remains.

Jolene did not permit moss to grow underfoot. At an early age, the sides of her crib had to be lowered, so she wouldn’t hurt herself in her many attempts to climb out. Her first words were a full sentence: “No way, no way!” setting a precedent for things to come.

Jolene attended Waterville Elementary School beside the flowing Maumee River. Catching the school bus to kindergarten, Jolene once sat beside a girl who was crying because the flowers she brought for a new teacher had been broken by another child.  Jolene had also brought flowers for the new teacher but offered them to the crying girl instead. When the bus driver suggested that there was enough for the two to share, Jolene insisted, replying, “Mom and I will pick again for tomorrow.” Jolene continued this generosity throughout her life. She never wanted anyone to  feel sad or hurt.

Jolene was an active learner in many areas. On a family visit to Seaworld, a young boy was afraid to sit upon Shamu, but Jolene jumped up and said, “I’ll do this!” Not only was her “catch” of fish the largest of the Poland family, but she also caught the most trout at Seaworld that day.  Of course, Keith was pleased, having taught Jolene how to cast a line before she reached the age of 3.

As she grew, Jolene was constantly busy with her activities, earning her the nickname “Biz.” She loved fishing, worming for bait, hiking with her parents, troubleshooting craft details for her mom’s classroom projects, gardening, volleyball, baseball, Easter egg hunts, painting, music, modeling and marching band. She particularly excelled in synchronized swimming, and while in the eighth grade, her group earned second place in the Pan-Am Games. These were all in addition to home activities and holidays, where her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends tried their best to keep up.   

Jolene was a blessing to many, and with her abundant personality and sense of humor, she could light up a room by walking through the door, just like her dad Keith. For her high school graduation, Keith drilled a hole through a dime, through which he had inserted a safety pin. She and Keith loved that she now had a “dime-and-pin” for when she dressed for “fancy lady events.”

Attending the University of Toledo, Jolene joined Kappa Delta sorority and graduated cum laude. After graduation, Jolene moved south to avoid the cold Toledo winters, and Indianapolis became her chosen city. She came to learn that the prevailing weather patterns brought the cold weather to Indianapolis first but remained a true Hoosier regardless. She loved Indy, where she worked in law offices, manufacturing quality control, and technical support for Eli Lilly.

Jolene met Matt when they lived in the same apartment building in downtown Indianapolis. The two hit it off instantly, and spent many wonderful years together, enjoying the many restaurants, sporting events, parks, and festivals the city had to offer. At Jolene’s suggestion, they adopted Murphy, their beloved boxer-beagle mix, who added his own special personality and humor to the mix.

When Murphy’s high energy could no longer be contained in their small downtown apartment, Matt and Jolene moved to a home in Eagle Creek, where they adopted Finn, their sweet but tough shih tzu-cairn terrier mix. Jolene loved nothing more than caring for Matt, Murphy, and Finn, attending to their every need. But with both pets passing in 2024, Jolene’s illness began to take its toll in earnest. We are astounded by the enormity of her strength and will.

Jolene was preceded in death by Keith, her grandparents, several beloved aunts and uncles, two cousins, and one nephew. Left to cherish her memory is mother Sandra Lae Poland, the love of her life Matt Jankowski, honored grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends wherever she went. We thank God for making loving memories with her and for us, and are comforted by the thought of her dancing amongst the stars.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Humane Society of Indianapolis and Little Red Door to help the city that gave Jolene so much. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Indiana University - Methodist Hospital, may you be blessed for all that you did to care for Jolene.

Sincerely: Sandy & Matt

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