Obituary of Jan Terese Gingrich

Our beloved Jan Terese Gingrich, 58, passed away peacefully at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, MA on Sunday, April 29th after a year long heroic battle with cancer.  A memorial mass will be held Saturday, June 2nd, at 11:00 AM, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Remus, with Fr. Tom Boufford as Celebrant. Jan’s family will greet relatives and friends Friday evening, June, 1st, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Saturday one hour prior to the service at church. 

Jan was born on February 8th, 1960 in Lakeview, MI, to Edwin Lamar Gingrich and Anita (Simon) Gingrich. Left to cherish her memory are her two children, Leah Howard of Gloucester, MA, and Riana (Ryan) Abarca of Beverly, MA; sisters, Ann Gingrich of Virginia Beach, VA, and Kathy (James) Campbell of Vero Beach, FL; brothers, Mike (Joene) Gingrich of Remus, MI, and Jon (Carmen) Gingrich of Green Bay, WI; grandchildren, Benjamin and Aurora, and the father of her children, Matthew Howard. 

Jan was preceded in death by her parents. 

A summer’s visit to New England thirty years ago found Jan returning to the coast to start her life anew. There she married, and raised her two girls while entering the dental field as an assistant, in a thriving practice in Mysic, CT. Jan became an integral part of their team for over 20 years as she dedicated her talents and fostered meaningful relationships with her patients. Challenged and motivated to re-invent herself, Jan enrolled in college with a steadfast resolve to earn a nursing degree. She proudly graduated with her RN license and joined the medical community at 56! Having cared for her father during his final year of life, she was inspired and committed to serve with compassion towards others on their difficult journeys. Drawn back to her home-town of Remus, Jan actively pursued her career until the day the health crisis unfolded. 

Jan will always be remembered as a brave, strong, and passionate lover of life! The simple pleasures of a long walk with a dear friend, star-gazing up in to the vast Michigan sky, or gently cruising familiar waters of Horsehead Lake with her trusted brother at helm, never ceased to bring her joy. Deeply devoted to family and friends (not to forget her feline companions) Jan embraced people and welcomed everyone with her dazzling smile and contagious laughter. A heart so generous and full of warmth – Jan’s spirit will never be dimmed!

Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to God’s Helping Hands at 8944 50th Ave, Remus, MI 49340. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at church.