Age 69, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the University of Michigan hospital after a short battle with Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer.) She has embarked on a new adventure; one that is free of any additional pain and suffering. She was born on December 1, 1952, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the daughter of Richard Keith and Barbara Arlene (Mast) Nelson.Jan graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1970. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Michigan State University and was working on a Master's Degree from Central Michigan University. Jan worked as a Probation Officer for several years before becoming a supervisor of the Washtenaw County Probation Department. She spent a few years working in Lincoln Park towards the end of her career but the majority of her time was spent in Ann Arbor. After retirement, she picked up a job as a teaching assistant for a special needs child. She always believed in doing good for others.
Jan loved to travel and shared that love with her daughter. The two of them took multiple trips, both domestically and internationally, together over the years. She believed there was so much more to life than the confines of your hometown and that you should get out there and experience the beauty of the world. If she wasn't on a trip, she was likely in the process of planning one. Outside of travel, Jan loved adventure, boat rides, volunteering at the Ark, being in the Ann Arbor Ski Club, animals (especially her cats,) crossword puzzles, music and theater, being a member of the Las Tortugas Pirates, reading, snorkeling, kayaking, playing her clarinet in the Washtenaw County Community Band and the Ann Arbor Town Band, enjoying time up north on Lake Margrethe, and spending time with her family and friends. When she was younger, she was on the Ski Patrol, even while she was pregnant. For a handful of years, Jan assisted with the Miss Washtenaw County Pageant. Jan loved to be busy and live life to the fullest.
Jan was a phenomenal Mother. She raised her daughter primarily on her own and was always supporting and encouraging her to go after her dreams. She was her daughter's biggest cheerleader. It was very evident how much she loved her one and only child. Jan also loved being a Grandma and absolutely adored her granddaughter, Eleanor (3). Her daughter Erin remembers her Mom as a kind, strong, independent, silly, adventurous, free spirited, fun, and beautiful human being. She loved that her Mom always stood up for what she believed in. She wasn't afraid to face the tough stuff in life and she never sweated the small stuff. She and her Mom were best friends. Erin also admired the bravery her Mom showed throughout her battle with cancer. From the get-go, her Mom was ready to fight and she just did what she had to do. She now sees her Mom as her hero.
Jan had many hopes and dreams for the future. She had tickets to various shows, multiple trips planned, home renovation projects she was excited to complete, and was looking forward to attending her 50th high school reunion that was postponed two years due to COVID. She was also excited to watch her granddaughter grow up.
Jan is survived by her daughter, Erin (Nelson) Pratt of Ann Arbor; her son-in-law, Daniel Pratt; her granddaughter, Eleanor “JoJo” Pratt, her brother, Jon Nelson of Satellite Beach, Florida; and several extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held next summer as one of Jan's wishes after her diagnosis was for "just one more summer." Memorial contributions may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (www.cholangiocarcinoma.org) or to Eleanor’s Education Fund (ugift529.com Code: M6P-83Q) Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
A Celebration of Life will be held next summer as one of Jan's wishes after her diagnosis was for "just one more summer." Memorial contributions may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (www.cholangiocarcinoma.org) or to Eleanor’s Education Fund (ugift529.com Code: M6P-83Q) Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
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Comments
all will be well….
dave