Janice Mary Ruesch
April 07, 1931 - March 30, 2021
Obituary
FAIRPORT, NY - On the morning of Tuesday, March 30, 2021, Janice "Jan" was welcomed into the arms of the Lord. She was born on April 7, 1931, in Madison, WI, to George H. and Fern Pratt.
Jan graduated high school in 1949 in Watertown, WI. She furthered her education by returning to college at age 39, earning a nursing degree from University of Illinois/Champaign Urbana. Upon graduation from college, Jan moved to Oshkosh, WI., where she married her husband, Merlin Ruesch. They subsequently moved to Connecticut. After living 15 years in Connecticut they relocated to Chagrin Falls, Ohio in 1980. There Jan continued her involvement in home nursing and church activities. 1999 came along and Jan and Merlin moved to upstate New York where she spent the remainder of her life in order to be near her daughter and grandchildren.
Jan joins her loving husband of 38 years in heaven. She is additionally predeceased by her parents and two siblings; sister, Ardene Cameron; and brother, Ross Pratt. Jan is survived by her daughter, Gail Hughes (Chuck); three grandchildren, Ashley Johnson (fiancé, Greg Bach), Ben Johnson and Jeffrey Bentley (Alyssa). Jan leaves behind a wide circle of cherished friends and extended family.
Jan enjoyed extensive travel in the U.S. and abroad. She had a great love of her pet cats and dogs throughout her life, especially her most recent beloved dog, Jenny, all of whom she expects to also greet in heaven. Jan enjoyed gardening and diligently made sure the birds, which she loved to observe, were well fed. We will greatly miss her exuberant personality and the way she always looked for the positive aspects of life.
The family wishes to especially thank Laurie Vangellow, Vickie Hamling, and Hemali Bilimoria for their loving support and friendship which enabled Jan to maintain her independence in her later years. Jan will be greatly missed by her great-niece, Karen Pedersen, who grew especially close to her in her final decade. Jan returns to the city of her birth to be laid to rest next to her husband, Merl, at Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison, WI. Jan requested memorials be directed to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. God Speed, Jan!
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Sue Ruesch Englebert
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Dear Aunt Jan's Family, So shocked to hear of Aunt Jan's passing. We stayed connected since Uncle Merl passed. I know she was looking forward to her 90th birthday. Now, she will share it in heaven with the love of her life. Sending our deepest sympathies. You are in my prayers. Sue Ruesch Englebert, one of her favorite nieces in Wisconsin.
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David Cameron and Family
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With Love and Remembrance.
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Laurie A. Vangellow
Other •
So sorry for the passing of Jan, yet, so pleased that she is at peace. I am so honored to have the privilege to have worked for Jan for the past few years. She was one of the most unique, interesting, fun person I have met. She saw the beauty in life from everything from birds, cats, dogs, trees, to her fun, colorful knee socks. She always put a smile on my face:) My sincere condolences, Laurie Vangellow
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Sally eruysal
Other •
My deepest condolences to your family. I met Jan at our church in Perinton. She was a delight. Always positive. She frequented the small gift store I work at in Fairport. She loved her birds, kitty, and anything to do with nature. She treasured her granddaughter who would accompany her on occasion. I didn’t see her when the store reopened after the pandemic and I wondered if she was staying away for precaution. I will miss our chats. She was a beautiful woman who hid her age well. Heaven has gained a wonderful person. With deepest sadness, Sally Eruysal