Here is a message to all of her artist friends from her husband, Gil:
At 4:30 today, April 6, 2010 my loving wife, Jan, peacefully passed on. She finally is at peace from the dastardly Alzheimer Disease. Bob, Cyndy, and I were by her side. Shelly (our wonderful caregiver), Hailey (her 8 year old angel of a daughter), and Beth (our warm hearted nurse from Hospice) were so kind and gentle as they guided us through this journey. Her passing was amazingly ethereal. Jan chose the time to pass as our dear friends Arlene Riba and Dave Busfield stopped by to check on her. Almost no one has such a supported parting.
We have had such a wonderful journey. What a rich life with Jan doing what she loved most in life. She was so creative and honest in her art. We get at least two or three emails a week from people saying how much Jan's art has enriched their lives. What a reward to be so acknowledged.
I am so proud to have been able to care for her at home and keep her out of a nursing home. It was a struggle, but not difficult, for her twinkle remained throughout. Shelly got a kick out of Jan's humor. She would tell me when Jan said, "get rid of that guy in the other room."
We loved Jan and did our best and giggled with her.
A few years ago Jan and I decided to donate our bodies to the U. of Michigan Medical School. Hopefully her gift may help medical science in the future.
There will be a visitation at the Staffen Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N,. Main St Chelsea, Mi. 48118 734 475 1444 on Sunday, April 11, 1:00 to 3:00. Jan did not like being singled out even for an award. The visitation will be a celebration of her life in keeping with her wishes.
Sincerely, Gil, Cyndy and Bob.
We are thankful that Dad let go of the reigns a little and "has allowed" us to share a few thoughts.
Dad does not want flowers or donations. If you need to do something, please, please, help keep our dad out of trouble (take him out for a beer, road trip to gizzard city, phone calls late at night, golf (only if you think 7 is par) ). Our Mom was such a special person. We are so proud of the impact that she has had on the art world.
Cyndy and Bob
Thanks to Sandy Atkins-Moran for including me in the email message.
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Stephanie