Jan Lee Sime Staebell

MADISON - Jan Lee Sime Staebell, age 74, died on Friday evening, March 7, 2008, after a 15-year battle with COPD (lung disease). Jan was born on Nov. 2, 1933, in Soldiers Grove, and was known as a fighter in many circles because of the strength with which she faced any battle. After being diagnosed with COPD, she went to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis for lung volume reduction surgery with Dr. Joel Cooper, the best in the nation. The surgery extended her life for many years, and allowed her to become the "Queen of Hospice" living a quality life for almost two years with their help. Before her disease, Jan worked at Sheraton Inn, Leskes, Luckys, the Sattelite and the VFW. Her volunteer work included PTA and City of Monona commissions. Jan was an avid animal lover, her most recent pets included Bucklee, Yuri, Cooper, and PT. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Staebell; sons, Joe Staebell of Monona, Jon (Karen) Staebell of Madison and Jamie Staebell of Madison; a daughter, Judy (Hal) Jennings of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Jonathan Staebell, Jennifer Staebell, Kari (Jason) Maurer, and Kevin Jennings; two great-grandchildren, Parker and Samuel Maurer; and three siblings, Beth Supernaw, Ann (Richard) Olsen and Keith (Dorothy) Sime. Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Al and June (Dyer) Sime. Memorial service will be held at HOSPICECARE INPATIENT CHAPEL, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, March 15, 2008. Visitation will be at the chapel from noon until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, or the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Paul Searles, Dr. James Couser, Jr., and Jans friends, whom she loved and who loved her, for their care and efforts to help Jan maintain her quality of life over many years.