Jayne T. Gates

Jayne T. Gates, 67, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on June 5, 2026. She was born on June 10, 1958, in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert and Mary Jane Topnick.

Jayne attended Hampton High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. She earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh where she graduated second in her class with Summa Cum Laude honors.

In high school, Jayne had a passion for music and became an accomplished clarinet player. She was even able to tour throughout Europe.

As a child, summers at the Jersey Shore were cherished times for Jayne where she demonstrated her creativity as a champion sand castle builder alongside her family. Jayne was also an award-winning quilter and fabric art designer later in life. She was an avid hiker, skier, and exercise enthusiast. After retiring, one of her favorite hobbies was taking daily long walks with her husband, Nevin, and their dog, Ella.

Jayne started her career with Amoco where she gained experience as an engineer, gas marketer and operations manager. She worked across multiple locations, including Amoco’s corporate office. When Amoco merged with BP, she relocated to London where she worked in the executive office. Following her time in London, she continued her career as an operations manager, overseeing both onshore and offshore operations. After retiring from BP, Jayne joined a small independent in Denver, Colorado, where she managed assets in South Texas and Utah.

Above all else though, Jayne’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother. She treasured the moments spent with her daughter, Meg, and grandchildren, Noah, Eden, and Everett.

Jayne T. Gates will be remembered not only for her many achievements but also for her thoughtfulness, determination, and the genuine love she extended to her family and community.

Jayne is survived by her loving husband, Nevin; daughter, Meg Foss; and brother, Robert Topnick. Jayne was preceded in passing by her parents and sister, Susan Bird.

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202) on Saturday, 13 June 2026 at 10am. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jayne’s memory to the Glioblastoma Research Organization (https://www.gbmresearch.org) or Mudsock Quilters Guild (Mudsock Quilters Guild, ℅ Susan Juffer, 8151 Hunters Place, Indianapolis, IN 46236), an organization of which Jayne was an active participant. Among other things, the group spends a significant amount of time and effort making quilts to give away to patients in the hospital over Christmas every year.