Janet M. Padjen

Janet Mae Padjen (Shallcross) of St. John, IN, was born on June 28, 1951, in Geneva, IL, and raised in Glen Ellyn, IL. She was formerly a resident of Lansing, IL. Jan passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2026, after a valiant and courageous fight with cancer. A true warrior, she faced her journey with unwavering faith.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth H. and Leona B. Shallcross of Glen Ellyn, IL; and her beloved sister, Gayle Symonds. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Thomas Padjen; her son, Mark Padjen (Kristen); her daughter, Karie (Michael) Leonard; and her beautiful and talented granddaughters, Bryn Leonard, Eleanor Padjen, and Caroline Padjen. Jan is also survived by her sisters, Diana (Tom) Walker, and Linda (Richard) Soukup; her brother, Kirk (Karen) Shallcross; and her brothers-in-law, Bob (Kim) Padjen, Bill Padjen (Larry Winters), John (Sandy) Padjen, and Richard Symonds.

Jan attended Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, IL, and graduated in 1969. She earned her elementary education degree from Iowa State University in 1973. Jan met her husband, Tom, at Iowa State in 1971, and they were married on August 11, 1973, at First Congregational Church in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Jan began her teaching career at Sunnybrook District 171 in 1973, teaching third grade at Nathan Hale Elementary School in Lansing, IL. Over the course of her 35-year career, she was deeply passionate and dedicated to her students. Her thoughtful and caring approach brought out the very best in hundreds of children. Her classroom was filled with patience, laughter, and love, and the echoes of her guidance will be heard for generations. She absolutely loved her teaching partners and the close bonds they shared throughout the years.

Jan was forever grateful for her loving family and for God’s many blessings. She found joy in nature’s beauty, the animals that shared it (especially bunnies), and in watching countless sunsets from her home with Tom. She cherished watching her children and grandchildren grow, proudly cheering them on at sporting events, dance competitions, and musical performances. In retirement, she delighted in traveling with Tom and friends, embraced new adventures, explored America’s National Parks, fell in love with Celebrity Cruises, and enjoyed scenic locations like Sedona, AZ and Greenville, SC.

“In our hearts, a memory will always be kept of one we loved and will never forget.”

In honor of the life of Janet Mae Padjen, friends and family will gather on April 18, 2026, for a Celebration of Life at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. Visitation will take place from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Region (www.hospicecalumet.org/donate).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Padjen family.