One of my favorite memories of Jan is of the first day I met her. It was was at Capistrano Valley Christian School where she was leading her class in prayer at the end of the day. How special to watch and feel the peacefulness surrounding her. Our daughters, Tristan and Claire, had become friends and we were arranging a play date that day, which was the beginning of a lifelong friendship for them, and a friendship for our families as well. In the years that ensued, Jan and I were constantly planning carpools, sleepovers, birthday parties, recital rehearsals, shared volunteering at Dana Hills, and even a cruise through the Caribbean.
I have thought about her often these last few months, sorted through albums for photos, and watched some old films that allowed me to recall how she was before her illness. It is remarkable that no matter when the picture, even after she became ill, there are smiles, waves to the camera, and apparent joy even when she was dealing with profound challenges every day. She leaves us with an example of how to live.
I am grateful to have had Jan in my life, and will never forget her.
When I first meet Jan over 40 years ago, I was taken back by her beauty: those sparkling blue eyes and her ever present smile. But that was was just her exterior, what was on the inside was even better, her beautiful soul.
When I think of our sweet Jan the words that come to mind are kind, generous, loving, and caring....an out standing women. I cherish the memories of family dinners, birthday celebrations and all the fun times we shared.
Jan's faith guided her and comforted her as she dealt with Parkinson's . Her strength was an inspiration to all. Parkinson's may have taken her life, but her loving spirit will live on in our hearts.
My heart is full of sadness and precious memories of Jan, my dear sweet friend from Bible Study Fellowship. Jan and I developed a wonderful relationship sharing stories of our daughters. She and I had two daughters of similar ages and even hosted students from Europe one Summer with great stories of their gatherings. We would meet to celebrate each birthday...we would laugh, cry, share stories and give each other advice, but all the time remembering who we were as Sisters-in Christ, and never forgetting that it was Him who brought us together and it was Him who was there to guide us through the sometimes difficult paths in life. I remember the one meeting in San Clemente when we met and Jan shared her symptoms that translated into the diagnosis of Parkinson's. It was a somber moment, but Jan was willing to do whatever it took to battle it, and she never once complained or went into any self-pity. It was her challenge and she was going to go into battle with her Lord's help, and we prayed for Him to be by her side and to never let her feel alone. I will always remember that warm smile and soft voice, and when I think of her it will always be with joy at having experienced the sweet spirit of Jesus in her.
To Alexis and Tristan....my heart grieves with you as you go on this path of sorrow. May you always remember your Mom as a beautiful, loving, warm, caring, servant of Christ, ready to share her savior's love to all and knowing all the time who she was in Him.
May you feel the love and prayers of those who knew and loved your Mom, lifting you up and giving you strength and peace for the days ahead...and may each memory that you have of her bring you an abundance of joy and be a special way to share with her grandchildren.
Jan is singing to Her Lord now and her soul is at peace.
"Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy pow'r thru-out the universe displayed! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
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Comments
I have thought about her often these last few months, sorted through albums for photos, and watched some old films that allowed me to recall how she was before her illness. It is remarkable that no matter when the picture, even after she became ill, there are smiles, waves to the camera, and apparent joy even when she was dealing with profound challenges every day. She leaves us with an example of how to live.
I am grateful to have had Jan in my life, and will never forget her.
Marcia Gaboury
When I think of our sweet Jan the words that come to mind are kind, generous, loving, and caring....an out standing women. I cherish the memories of family dinners, birthday celebrations and all the fun times we shared.
Jan's faith guided her and comforted her as she dealt with Parkinson's . Her strength was an inspiration to all. Parkinson's may have taken her life, but her loving spirit will live on in our hearts.
With much love and sorrow,
Gail Bonnell
I remember the one meeting in San Clemente when we met and Jan shared her symptoms that translated into the diagnosis of Parkinson's. It was a somber moment, but Jan was willing to do whatever it took to battle it, and she never once complained or went into any self-pity. It was her challenge and she was going to go into battle with her Lord's help, and we prayed for Him to be by her side and to never let her feel alone. I will always remember that warm smile and soft voice, and when I think of her it will always be with joy at having experienced the sweet spirit of Jesus in her.
To Alexis and Tristan....my heart grieves with you as you go on this path of sorrow. May you always remember your Mom as a beautiful, loving, warm, caring, servant of Christ, ready to share her savior's love to all and knowing all the time who she was in Him.
May you feel the love and prayers of those who knew and loved your Mom, lifting you up and giving you strength and peace for the days ahead...and may each memory that you have of her bring you an abundance of joy and be a special way to share with her grandchildren.
Jan is singing to Her Lord now and her soul is at peace.
"Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy pow'r thru-out the universe displayed!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
In His Love,
Paula Siedlaczek