From Jan's Children

We are sad to report that after a long and valiant fight with cancer our mother passed away on Nov. 1st just after 8pm. She was surrounded by all of us and our spouses and died peacefully and without pain. Thanks to all who have called and send emails - we appreciate all of your support. As a tribute to our mother, and so readers of her book "Active Senior Living" can get to know her better, we are keeping this blog active.

Comments

[Cathy Brown]

I was so sorry to read that Jan had moved from earth to heaven. All I knew of her was from her book, Senior Living, which I loved, and it was clear to me that she not only was smart and witty, but a wonderful human being as well. I realize this comes to you long after you lost your mom, but wanted you all to know that she had touched my life and taught me a few things that may prepare me for my own old age adventures. I am sure she is raising hell in heaven, LOL. I can only imagine how much you must miss her here on earth.

[Burl Barer]

I know my sister is gone -- but I come back to her blog every so often because...well, I miss her. Yeah, I know my sister. Nutty as a Payday, vastly amusing or terribly irritating depending upon the circumstances,social setting and medications, incredibly witty and talented, and so prone to exaggeration and hyperbole that every statement she made, except perhaps for time and temperature, was subject to intense scrutiny. The ones we doubted most were the ones that were true. She really was friends with Robert Stack. How could we have doubted it? Okay, enough from me today...the other day was the anniversary of our father's passing, so I've been thinking of every family member that's gone to the great beyond -- a nostalgic yet melancholy exercise. Jan...I miss you.
Love,
Burl

[David Zarkin]

With the yellow fall leaves falling to the ground it is most ironic that news of the death of my cousin Janice reached me this day. I will miss sharing with her. More than a cousin, she was my friend. She was an amazing journalist and storyteller with a great sense of humor. She will be well remembered by many wonderful people in Palm Springs where she has supportive friends and was a reporter with the Sun for many years,
Jan could count among her friends the late President Ford, Sonny Bono, Artie Shaw and the actor Mel Ferrer. The collection of photos in her home of fabulous people she knew in her Palm Springs life is fresh in my memory.
I enjoyed my short time with Jan. Just recently we exchanged e-mails on Hollywood actors she knew based on autobiographies I sent her. She was a source for a biography on Bob Hope that a writer was researching when I visited her in 2005 in Palm Springs where we saw a performance by 40s era swing singer Beryl Davis who was a good friend of Jan’s.
More than that Jan was a caring mom and supportive of her wonderfully creative children. She made sure that I had copies of all the books written by her and her children. I recently wrote a review posted on the internet and led a discussion on her last book, “Active Senior Living”, for a senior group in Minnesota. I shared the book with her Auntie Gertie, my 96-year-old mom, who said she enjoyed Jan’s book.
Jan was a fighter and an inspiration. We grew up together in Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle, having fun times at Loon Lake, Spirit Lake, Diamond Lake and Walla Walla, and she was a gracious host and supportive when I lived in Northern California in the 60s. I have many fond memories of cousin Jan.
Dave Zarkin

tod g. writes: Thanks, Dave, it's nice to hear these stories and I know she was very fond of you and always enjoyed your time together.
steve c. writes: Hello David..I loved reading that..I have read it many times since you first sent it to me...I loved her as well...I had a lifelong crush on her...I will forever remember her smile..and I thank you so much for sharing those feelings with me..have the happiest Thanksgiving..Stephen

[Anne Royse Ginther]

While we never met in person, I could tell Jan was the kind of gal who could light up a room. We exchanged all sorts of emails and the occassional phone call. She had so many wonderful stories to tell, and so much insight to share. It was crystal clear that her children brought her joy, like nothing else. We are surely blessed to have known her.

[Diane Gordon]

I always looked forward to seeing your Mom when I visited friends at Cypress. Her smile and positive energy were contagious as was her hopefulness. How wonderful that she had her writing as therapy and her talented, loving, fun family for support. She was so proud of you all and it was fun for me to meet one of her pride and joys at this year's Author's forum sponsored by Assistance League and Barnes and Noble. Take pride in a life well lived and her lasting legacy. Sincere condolenses.

Diane Gordon

[Tracey Schaaf]

There was only one Jan Curran...she left a grand legacy to you all. I cherish the memories.

[B. Klahn]

So sorry to learn of Jan's death. She certainly had fought the good fight and was able to extend her time with all by many years just from shear determination (and the great support of her children). I enjoyed both the books she'd written.

As a side note I grew up with your dad. Not ever a close friend, as he was rather a loner, but we had all taken pride in his career. Sorry he was unable to be more of a father and husband. He missed out on a very talented group of children.

May all of you children continue through life with even more success now that you have someone that cares looking down on you. I'd say the one good thing Allan did for you all was marry your mom!

Thank you for letting us know what happened.
Condolences to the family.

Sincerely, B. Klahn

[David Zarkin]

With the yellow fall leaves falling to the ground it is most ironic that news of the death of my cousin Janice reached me this day. I will miss sharing with her. More than a cousin, she was my friend. She was an amazing journalist and storyteller with a great sense of humor. She will be well remembered by many wonderful people in Palm Springs where she has supportive friends and was a reporter with the Sun for many years,
Jan could count among her friends the late President Ford, Sonny Bono, Artie Shaw and the actor Mel Ferrer. The collection of photos in her home of fabulous people she knew in her Palm Springs life is fresh in my memory.
I enjoyed my short time with Jan. Just recently we exchanged e-mails on Hollywood actors she knew based on autobiographies I sent her. She was a source for a biography on Bob Hope that a writer was researching when I visited her in 2005 in Palm Springs where we saw a performance by 40s era swing singer Beryl Davis who was a good friend of Jan’s.
More than that Jan was a caring mom and supportive of her wonderfully creative children. She made sure that I had copies of all the books written by her and her children. I recently wrote a review posted on the internet and led a discussion on her last book, “Active Senior Living”, for a senior group in Minnesota. I shared the book with her Auntie Gertie, my 96-year-old mom, who said she enjoyed Jan’s book. She wrote to Jan.
Jan was a fighter and an inspiration. We grew up together in Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle, having fun times at Loon Lake, Spirit Lake, Diamond Lake and Walla Walla, and she was a gracious host and supportive when I lived in Northern California in the 60s. I have many fond memories of cousin Jan.
Dave Zarkin

[April Poole]

Jan, You were one of the first ladies i met when i began working at Cypress. You were a beautiful person inside and out, and we will all miss you very much. I loved doing your nails and hearing the stories of your life.

[Gen Hinkle]

Besides being classmates, Jan & I recently discovered that we shared a Ukrainian heritage. Her father and my grandfather came from the same area of Ukraine. She shared such interesting stories of her family. What an interesting life she had. I will miss our phone chats. Gen Hinkle

[Molly Larson Cook]

To Tod, Lee, Linda and Karen

Your mom was a terrific woman, which I know you already know. We corresponded almost every day...The last message I had from her was Saturday.

We were seeing each other through our old age after being high school classmates and journalists at Wa-Hi.

I'll write more to you personally, but for now...sending condolences and love to you all and your families.

Molly Larson Cook

[Judy Dolata]

I am so shocked and saddened by the news. I know how hard she fought and can't imagine her not winning. My heart and thoughts are with you all at this time. You are the ones who gave her the courage to fight on. I will miss her sorely.
Judy Dolata

[Lynda Hausmann]

I am heartbroken to hear this news. Your mother's book was the very first book I purchased and read on my Kindle. I feel almost as if I knew your mother through her writing... and as such, she (and her marvelous sense of humor) will be sorely missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss and sadness. May your mother's courage, sense of humor and enduring spirit live on through the writing -- and the intimate part of her life -- that she shared with us all.

[Ann Erdman]

My heart is breaking. I'm sending lots of love to the family. She loved all of you so much.