Please receive my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Jan. Jan was a lifelong friend who I met over 30 years ago in New Orleans. She was selfless, sacrificial with her time, and a true humanitarian. Jan loved deeply; she stewarded her God given gifts in a way that brought honor and dignity to human life, care for animals, and compassion for the marginalized. Jan was also an artist. She loved painting , using, vibrant colors on different pieces of wood work. When I survey Jan’s life this is what I see; a steward of God’s grace for humanity. She was a beloved sister, aunt, humanitarian, artisan, and friend. I cherished our friendship; there was a uniqueness and depth to Jan like no other. I will miss her voice, quick wit, and the long distance phone calls that we had which ensued for hours. Those are the memories that I will take solace in and find comfort.
2
Hi Everyone. I’m one of Jan’s oldest friends from back when we were at school together at the age of 11. I’m about to send a reading about our friendship which I’m hoping can be shared with you all at her service tomorrow. I hope you enjoy hearing it. Best wishes. Keith . UK
3
Jan was such a bright and beautiful presence in our lives. Her love of nature showed in everything she touched. Especially the care and beauty she brought to my Mom’s plants and yard. She had a gift for bringing peace and life around her, and we were lucky to be a part of that. More than that, she was deeply kind and compassionate caregiver to my mom, a thoughtful listener, fun banana gram player, a true friend. She made us laugh, made us feel seen. She brought joy even on ordinary and hard days. Her absence leaves a hole, but her memory will always be with us. We miss her dearly especially on Sundays which was her day with us. Your family are in our prayers.
2
My dearest Jan and I met at secondary school when we were 11 and were friends to the end. I want to send everyone who knew and loved her my love and a big hug. I wish I could be with you on Sunday. I will love and miss her forever. Night night Bet, sleep tight - Deirdre xxxxxx
3
My deepest condolence to Jan's friends and family. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Jan personally, but I did know her through her service with incarcerated inmates, particularly Feltus Taylor Jr. who was at Louisiana State Penitentiary until June 6, 2000, when he was executed. I have had the responsibility of shepherding Feltus' memoir for over two decades, and his story will finally be published by Bloomsbury Publishing in April of 2026. Jan is featured in the memoir, as she was a pivotal support and friend to Feltus during his time served and his transformation as a fully rehabilitated human being at the time of his death. Jan's selfless acts of service and love, especially to those who are most forgotten, will be forever eulogized in this book. I am just so sad that I was not able to share this with Jan before she passed.
3
As Jan's nephew I have quite a few memories of her life. I remember the wonderful, vivid artwork. I remember her passion for causes, especially her involvement in the campaign against the death sentence. My sister and I were encouraged by Jan to become involved and at a very young age used to write letters to some of the prisoners in state penitentiary. I remember fondly her infectious laughter, compassion, mischievous spirit, and twinkle in her eye. She could be serious and profound, too. I remember the white BMW, the Malibu beachhouse, and the red Nissan with the hilarious automatic safety belt which would 'clothesline' you in the neck if you weren't careful!
When I got older I spent a wonderful week or so with Jan in Santa Fe. It was a privilege to see her house, her new environment, the art gallery where she worked, and her love for the outdoors and the environment. Los Alamos and Alberquerque were lots of fun with her.
I will miss Jan. Though sad at what was limited contact for so many years, she often did still contact me on/around my birthday, and we would swap emails occassionally, including one recent one where she sent pictures of trees in the fall.
I am so grateful to those in Santa Fe who have looked after her and been kind to her. Thank you very much.
3
For a very special friend.
Where do I start. I’ve known Jan for almost 30 years we worked together at The Tudor house back in the 90s she worked 3 days I did 4 my first glimpse of her she was lugging around a trolley filling up store provisions we instantly clicked and became friends. We always had time for stories about music fashion and movies. When she moved away to Santa Fe we made it a point to stay in touch I even went to visit her for one of my birthdays of course she was accommodating and showed me around. We continued to chat every few months about world issues music tv and anything relating to the good olde days we were in stitches sometimes at what we both remembered and how we cherished the memories. We spoke together about 2 months ago laughing away at old British tv shows we loved. Having made a number of trips to Vegas this past year she said the next time you go I’ll meet you there but of course it won’t be happening. I’m going to see Gary numan in concert this week of course she would always like to hear how these great bands from that era were doing. It’s still hard to grasp the news I’m at a loss. One of her funny quotes were I mean I’m not being funny then she would log into some serious jargon political or not she truly was a riot 😃 I will miss her so much her laughter her thoughtfulness her sense of humor and her lovely big heart. RIP my dear friend I’ll still keep you in touch with current affairs. God bless you 🙏
3
I was so shocked and heartbroken to hear of Jan’s passing. I can still hear her laugh. We had so many great memories really funny stuff and we would always love to remember them every time we spoke.
I will miss my wee friend she was a gem She was funny very smart kind helpful and just so fun and lovely to be around.
A beautiful soul gone way too soon she will be missed by so many.
RIP Jan
My thoughts prayers go out to everyone in the family we lost a good one and I am so sorry for your loss
4
Very sorry to hear this sad news of Jan passing she will be dearly missed 🙏
3
I am so saddened and heartbroken to hear of my dearest friend Jan’s passing. Though we hadn’t seen each other in many years, we always kept in touch, she held a special place in my heart and Baz and I counted her as a dear family friend. Back in the 90s in Los Angeles, our friend group included a special few brits who shared so many good times together, and Jan was always the spark that lit up the room. One of my fondest memories is a night of Monopoly that turned into the most unforgettable game I’ve ever played - drinks in hand, it became less about the rules and more about the laughter, the wild debates over who was winning, and the wonderful storytelling that only Jan could inspire. Baz and I still tell that story to this day, and it never fails to bring a smile.
I am so grateful for the cherished memories and wonderful art you created for our children which has always been a fixture in our home. Jan was truly one of a kind and her fire, humor, and warmth will be deeply missed.
Sending our condolences and love to sister Lin and the whole Macdonald family.
With all our love from Michelle and Basil, Georgia and Milton
Forever in our hearts
3
I was shocked when I heard the news of Jan's passing. I met Jan about 3 months before she passed. We met both as caregivers for the same client. In such a short time, I felt so much joy being around Jan. I was always looking forward to see her and hear about the fun and innocent stories of her day. Jan was such a happy being that she would inject happiness into anyone around her. I was looking forward to a long lasting friendship with her. I missed her deeply when I heard the news of her passing. In the short time I spent with her, she thought me a better way to live life! Always looking for the best in everyone and every situation as stressful as it may seem!
May her soul rest in peace and her family and friends find peace and comfort in God’s presence! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽♥️
4
Jan my fondest memories of us was when we came to stay for the weekends at 251 , you worked at waitrose amd woukd bring home goodies for our midnight feast. You always told so many wonderful stories and we would always have the giggles from your many jokes, you had a wonderful bubbly sense of humour 😀 we also went to see a west end show me you, lin and grandma Diary of a Whimpy Kid 🙂 I will always remember our tines together ❤️ enjoy tine with Gradma now give her a big hug from me 🥰
3
My condolences to family and friends. May our Lord Jesus comfort each one in this time!
I live in Brazil and I met Jan in Santa Fe, at my mother’s house. She was mom’s caregiver on sundays. She was cheerful and kind and I remember she had a good time with us at the table enjoying a Brazilian meal I prepared. She liked to be outdoors and would go out and water my mother’s plants and we appreciated that. I also remember her kindly giving me a ride to the store and waiting for me to find what I needed. I appreciated the way she would sit by my mother and visit either her. I knew she was a good companion for mom when I couldn’t be there because of living so far. Jan was much appreciated by our family.
4
Share with others
