Last night, as I was looking at a few pictures of my beautiful mom, I became overwhelmed with grief. My son, Logan, walked in and saw that I was upset. Without saying a word, he simply hugged me and started doing deep breaths alongside me. I know my mom would be just as proud of his kind heart as I am. I miss her deeply, but I take comfort in knowing that she is at peace. <3  <3  <3

Love, 
Jada

I worked with Jan at the U.S. Attorney's Office and she was my first supervisor after college. She was the one who told me I was hired as a permanent employee after my internship, and we gave each a big hug at the news.
Like so many others have said, she glowed and was immensely kind and patient. She was always excited to share the neat things happening with her family and friends. I am so grateful to have worked and learned from her, even if it now feels like too short of a time.
I send my heartfelt condolences to all of her family and loved ones.

It was a wonderful childhood for those of us who had Jan as a cousin.  Our houses were close enough that Terry and I spent a lot of time with Jan and Cory growing up; and of course, the Kerwood get-togethers at Christmas and Easter and the 4th of July were always the bright spots on the calendar.    I will never forget her bright smile, which managed to shine, even if our younger cousins were the targets of the jokes and games of us older cousins.  You will be missed.....

Rest in peace Jan I want you to know that you had a way of lighting up a room when you came into it. You always had a beautiful smile and I always made time to say hello. You're a unique person, and that is what I loved about you.So much. You were always so concerned with the red carpet during the awards, and who's going to be wearing whose designer dress, cracked me up. I will miss you.

Did you ever meet someone for the first time and you instantly felt comfortable, like you had known them for a long time? Well, that was Jan. She just had that way about her. Jan and I both shared Mackenzie and Logan as our grandchildren. She was a Grandma to them and I, a Great-Grandma. We would see one another at the many events the grandkids participated in and of course, the numerous family gatherings. Whether I was greeting her or saying
good-bye, I inevitably would say "It's always good to see you, Jan". You will be missed.

Did you ever meet someone for the first time and you instantly felt comfortable, like you had known them for a long time? Well, that was Jan. She just had that way about her. Jan and I both shared Mackenzie and Logan as our grandchildren. She was a Grandma to them and I, a Great-Grandma. We would see one another at the many events the grandkids participated in and of course, the numerous family gatherings. Whether I was greeting her or saying 
 good-bye, I inevitably would say "It's always good to see you, Jan". You will be missed.

Jan was not just amazing. She was a gem. A person that radically influenced me when I came into her life at a very impressionable time. She taught me inclusion, kindness and patience - to just let things roll off and not be reactive.

She was my faux mom when my parents moved over 2300 miles away. Her and Dan took me in as one of the kids when I was figuring it all out and I have never forgotten that for one moment. It was the first time I learned a family could be supportive, fun and nurturing. I have absolutely no idea where I’d be without that love. Too many memories to share, but they are all in my heart. 

I have never expressed this lasting influence… Thank you so much Jan, Dan, Alan, Shawn, Jada and Anna. ❤️

Jan always welcomed me with open arms, as the step daughter of her daughter she never treated me differently and always showed love when i did get to see her over the years.
I’ve had to privilege to enjoy holidays and make memories with her since i was very little and can definitely say she made an impact on my heart, she was always such a beautiful and joyful soul.

Jan was such a joy to work with and always picked the best lunch places.  I will miss hearing from her.

Throughout the years, after having joined the Navy, I would randomly surprise Mom by just showing up at a dinner or her home.  Well, on my 40th birthday she finally got me back, and had flown to Florida to celebrate it with me.  I can’t help but wish she would one day do it again.  My Mom was everything to me, and I can’t even to begin to express my absolute grief over her departure.

It has been a special and meaningful time in my life sharing our Grandma roles to Mackenzie and Logan.  Always loving, caring, helpful, and kind. You will be missed so very much 'Gamma Gan'.

Many years ago, we decided we would give potential hires at Kolisch a new test that  had come out that evaluated cognitive skills. I wanted all of our lawyers to take it so we could decide if it was an accurate test. Of course, nobody wanted to take it. Jan and I decided we would, but would not tell anyone else the results. I remembered years later that I scored slightly higher than she did and she remembered that she did better. She had a great memory but I kidded her from that example that her memory was not perfect.

My deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Jan. She was  so proud of her children and often shared photos of them with me. Jan was a very unique woman. She was liked by everyone who had the good fortune of meeting her. Jan was strong, intelligent and kind to all. She shall be greatly missed.

I worked with Jan at Kolisch Hartwell for over 15 years. While technically she worked for me, we really worked as a team. I never working with anyone who was as hardworking and pleasant to work with as Jan. She was just a nice person to be around. Since we both moved on from working together, I have missed our time together and am so sorry that we have lost her. My condolences to Dan and the family. I wish I could attend her service but we are out of town with grandkids that week.

Sincerely, Pete Heuser

I worked with Jan for several years at the U.S. Attorney's Office. She was one of the first people I met there, and she was so gracious to me. She was a lovely, funny, thoughtful, and all-around super person to be around. I am gutted by the news of her passing. I will miss her.

OBITUARY

Jan Elaine Sands

November 21, 1954 – May 2, 2025

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home

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