Janet Elaine Neely
November 21, 1947 - November 1, 2012
Obituary
As an alternative to sending sympathy/memorial flowers, you may also consider a donation in Jan’s name to Lungevity, a local fundraiser for lung cancer research via: http://events.lungevity.org/goto/JanNeely
Janet Elaine Neely lost her battle with cancer on the evening of Thursday November 1st in the Neely family home surrounded by love. Her son, Scot sat next to her on her bed, her daughter, Amy also sat next to her holding her hand, and her husband, Jim laid next to her, telling her how loved she was as she took her last breath.
Jan was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in April of 2011 and fought a hard fight. She was treated at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance from day one. SCCA worked hard for Jan and their treatment was responsible for her months of borrowed time which she spent with her loving husband, family and close friends.
Jan was the loving wife of James Neely, having just celebrated their 46th year of marriage on September 30th of this year. They were high school sweethearts and engaged while she was still in high school when Jim signed up for the Army reserves. They were married a year later upon her graduation. Jim says about first meeting Jan at Glacier High School, “there was just something special about her; I knew she was the one.” At 23 years of age Jan gave birth to their first child, a boy named Todd…a miracle baby to Jan and Jim after she had had one ovary and part of another removed in her late teens due to some medical issues. Two years later their second son, Scot was born, and five years after that their third and final child was born; a daughter named Amy.
In addition to her husband and 3 children, Jan is also survived by her mother, Lois Esser and by her four grandchildren: Katelyn/18, Kendra/19, Kassidy/12 and Cooper/5.
Jan was an incredibly bright woman who loved to cook and bake for family and friends. She was well known in her own circles as someone who “loved through food.” Her worn and tattered cookbook is legend in her family, along with the “ugly” pot, an equally worn and tattered pot she and Jim recieved as a wedding present and one she used as recently as this summer, until she was no longer able to cook. Nothing ever tasted quite the same if it didn’t come out of the “ugly” pot.
She was a teacher by trade (technically a “para-educator”) at North Hill Elementary and had a gift for helping kids who had fallen behind or never quite caught up with the rest of the class. She was key in changing the lives of many kids throughout the years who otherwise would have struggled greatly. She was a teacher by trade, but also a teacher at heart…it’s just who she was. She taught math and reading at school, but, more importantly she gave kids well-needed confidence and taught them to think, to use their heads and to consider outcomes; the type of lesson used throughout life beyond the scope of reading, writing and math.
Most of all, Jan was “born to be a mother” (words from the mouth of her own mother). She was a loving and completely selfless mother of her own three kids. She also had a way of mothering her kids’ friends, neighbor kids and of course her kids at school. Wherever a little soul in need crossed her path, she was sure to step in.
Jan will be sorely missed by all. She was an honest friend, a selfless mother, a loving wife and companion, a helpful neighbor, a thoughtful and caring daughter, a fun and attentive grandmother…she was someone that took care of people in a totallly selfless way, who wanted to please those she loved and did so often in small, thoughtful ways; she was always the cause of smiles. The world has lost a beautiful, gentle, irreplaceable soul.
Mom lost her battle with lung cancer on Thurs Nov 1st at 8:40pm. My brother Scot was sitting over her in her bed, i was next to her holding her hand, and my dad was laying next to her talking to her the entire time until her last breath. It was fairly peaceful and she was surrounded by love. To donate to lung cancer research in her name instead of sending flowers, please go to http://events.lungevity.org/goto/JanNeely
you can reach me at amykat8303@yahoo.com
I still have the Betty Crocker Boy’s and Girl’s Cookbook for Christmas which Jan and Jim gave me for Christmas in 1967. Last night I thought of her and smiled as I made Madhatter Meatballs which is a recipe out of that cookbook that I make often! You and your family are in my prayers – she will be missed.
We really miss Jan. She was a very vivacious woman. We will be thinking of you in the days, weeks and months to come. Wishing you strength and happy memories- Emily & Aaron
I have many memories of babysitting, puppy sitting , cooking and baking AND Jan straightening my horribly curly hair…or attempting to anyway when I was a teen. I to, as Jeanine, think about her when cooking/baking certain dishes that I’ve picked up from her thru out the years. I will always remember her laugh… Jan you will be missed.
Jan will be greatly missed at North Hill. She was a “one-of-a-kind” type of person who just lived her life “right.” I was always impressed by her steadfastness and honest disposition.
May your family feel her presence around you and know how much you were loved.
Jan’s enduring smile was radiant because it was made of joy and love, a gift to all who beheld it.
I will never forget…and I think about often…what you wrote to me in my card at my bridal shower. “I always wanted another daughter.” You’ve always been there for me…for my family. You’ve been my 2nd mother for almost 20 years. I’ve known your love, kindness and understanding as if I was your daughter. You were the best Gramma ever to Kendra and Kassidy (Kaitlyn and Cooper too). You made sure everyone around you was ok. If we had a headache…you were there with remedies…If we needed a recipe or if I needed to know how long to cook or if something was still good, you were there. If we wanted an opinion on anthing from what to say, do,buy, make, name, ask, or just to laugh at other’s silly choices, you were there. You took care of all those around you, from your family and friends to your pets and others. Including the neighbors cats and dogs. You made sure we were all taken care of. Squirrels, humminbirds, ferretts…no one was left out. Now God can take care of you. I know physically you’re gone, but I also know you will always be here to take care of us like you always have. You and I had many, many talks and I will miss those. I know you’ll always be listening so we can continue them. I thank you for so much. I love you and I’ll miss you. We have so much in common, most importantly your unconditional love for your youngest son. I will think of you daily. For sure everytime I smell our favorite perfume…a gardenia…hear a funny name…watch wheel…or when Scot is irritating me. Kassidy is so much like him!
Goodbye Mom!
No more pain!
I’ll see you again someday!
There are alot of loved ones to meet you on the other side, you’ll be ok! You’ll be better than ok!
I had the pleasure of meeting Jan at the wedding of her son Scot and my niece Nikki. I knew at the one meeting that Jan was a special person. Vivacious, kind, welcoming to a family from the opposite coast from her, and caring, mostly caring. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to spend more time with her and get to know her better.
To Jim, Todd and Sarah, Katelyn and Cooper, Scot and Nikki, Kendra and Cassidy, and Amy, my deepest and most sincere condolences. Look to God for comfort and know that Jan now rests with Him and waits to see you again some day. Jan is now in a position to help watch over you, and she is free from cancer and pain.
Jim & all the Neely Family & Gramma Lo:
Please know that we are thinking about you and all of yours at this time of sorrow.
I first met Jan at a day care center in Boulevard Park where her son and my daughter spent some time and was delighted when her sister married my brother and a few years later when we worked together at McMicken Heights Elementary. Her bright smile and always friendly disposition made her hard to forget. Her loss is unbelievably hard for all who knew her. She’ll be sorely missed.
I remember as a kid growing up with Scot the envy I would have in his daily packed brown bag lunches! They always had the signature sharpie addressed with love and contained wonderful treats ( chocolate chip cookies) ! I remember her ever presence at school. How lucky you all are to have had her as a mom and thoughtful of you all to have shared her with many.
Jim,
I learned so much more about her and the love you shared from our daily talks at the old coffee stand.Your marriage and the love you had for eachother is beautiful. What an example for your children. You are a lucky man to have known such love.
My thoughts, love, and prayers go out to all of you.
Jim, Scott, Amy and Family
I still remember the day Jim told me of the cancer, I felt terrible hearing that news. We have had many discusiions since that day and the strength that you have shown was remarkable.
We way joke around alot but know Jim, your friendship means a great deal . You are in Cindy and My Prayers. And we will be there for you anytime you need a place to come and relax.
Jan, Jim, and family,
You are all in my heart and prayers. We have been neighbors for over 35 years and spent a lot of our early years chasing Little League schedules for the 3 Scott’s and
Jim too. Our irregular chats when you or Jim came down the path walking your adorable dogs, or just out for walk together will be missed. You were a beautiful example of what love and family mean. May you all find peace of heart in knowing Jan will be in many hearts always.
Sincerely, Sue.
Jim & Family,
What a wonderful Wife & Mother you had.
Jan was one of the few people who I ever knew that had no idea what a frown or a cross word was!
Jan’s smile will always enlighten all of our lives.
Steve Dragos
I am so glad that the “Glacier Gals” came over to visit Jan, after our last luncheon. Up until she got sick I don’t think Jan missed many get-together with all her friends from high school.
I actually met Jan when I started 2nd grade at Boulevard Park Elementary school. At our (I think) 40th class reunion, Jan got up and told a sweet story about two little girls sharing a secret. I was new at the school and wanted to make her my first friend so I told her my secret…my daddy calls me Tootsie. I had completly forgotten that “secret” but boy she kept it for 50 years. Proving what a good friend does. They keep a secret. I was so touched.
I send my prayers to her family to find peace and keep her smile in your hearts. Toots Hastings
Jim, Scot, Amy and Family,
My sincerest condolences on your loss. I have fond memories of hanging out at/around your house as a child. I loved playing with your basset hounds and hanging out with Scot. Jan was a very special woman, and was always kind and generous whenever I was there. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott
I recently learned that the woman I knew as a little girl named Janet Kohledge had gone home to be with the Lord on November 1st. Janet and I went to Sunday School together at Boulevark Park Presbyterian Church over 50 years ago.
My condolences to her family. To have known Janet is to remember her fondly.
I loved Jan. She was a second mom to me, and she always made me smile. I’m going to miss walking through the door to say “Gee Mrs. Neely, you sure look lovely today” and hearing Jan dryly reply “Thanks, Eddie”. She was a very important part of my formative years, and I’ll always be grateful for that. She will be sorely missed.
Catherine and I have been sending you, the Neely family, our love on the wind, and will always.
I have many memories of Jan and the love she gave me the first time I met her. My favorite past time is sitting in the kitchen talking, her advice, and the food OMG the food!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
I have great memories of Jan, as Todd was the first friend that I had made on my own. Jan was the first “American” mom I knew and always showed me kindness. She always was willing to give me experiences that I never had access to, such as seeing the puppies being born and holding a baby(Amy) after she was born! She was so giving and always made me feel included. I also remember her black bottom cupcakes as I had never had a homemade cupcake that didn’t come out of a box before! I feel so lucky to have had Jan in my life. John and I are sending the Neely family all of our love and thoughts always.