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Janice's obituary

On July 6, 2025, at the age of 73, Jan passed away peacefully at home, after a courageous10-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. 

Jan was born in Sterling, Colorado on April 18th, 1952, and was the beloved daughter of Betty Pearce and Al Green. 

She spent her formative years in Greeley and Sterling, Colorado and would spend many summers in California with her mother.

Jan graduated with honors from Greeley Central High School and went on to study Education and Spanish at the University of Northern Colorado.

After graduating from college and getting her masters in primary education, Jan spent time living in both Los Angeles, California and in Greeley.

She met her husband Michael in Huntington Harbor on one of her trips out west, and soon after moved to California permanently with her tabby cat Dolly.

Michael and Jan were married on October 1982, and their daughter Allison was born in August 1984. She was also a stepmother to two sons, Gregory and Christopher.

After a few years in Playa Del Rey, the family moved to Fountain Valley to enjoy the Orange County suburbs. Jan began teaching at 2nd grade at Whittier Elementary, specializing in ESL instruction.

Jan moved on to teach at Rea Elementary and was honored as teacher of the year in 2006 by the Newport-Mesa School District. While at Rea, she taught 2nd, 4th, and kindergarten. She was a favorite among her students, with many of them coming back to visit her even when they were in high school and beyond.

She was also very active with the non-profit organization, SOY (Save our Youth) and frequently supported them whenever possible.

Jan retired from teaching in 2016, and spent some time traveling with her husband Michael for a couple of years before the effects of Alzheimer's became too much to overcome.

Even as she battled the disease, she would continue to smile and laugh whenever she could. 

Jan leaves behind her husband and soulmate of 43 years, Mike, their precious children, Gregory, Christopher and Allison. Her daughters-in-law Stephanie and Kim, son-in-law Joe, and her grandchildren Alexandra, Sophia, Tommy, Evie, Charlotte, and Fionn as well as all of her friends and family who knew her and loved her.

She left a positive impact on everyone she met and her legacy will never be forgotten.

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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
$730.00
Raised by 11 people

Recent contributions

$50.00
Rich Selsted
$50.00
Janet Gutierrez
$80.00
James Hecht
See all contributionsRight arrow

Recent contributions

$50.00
Rich Selsted
$50.00
Janet Gutierrez
$80.00
James Hecht
See all contributionsRight arrow

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Janice "Jan" Hecht