Journal entry by Erin Dougan —
Janet Eakins Dougan passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Littleton Adventist Hospital surrounded by her family after suffering an aneurysm Saturday afternoon. Jan is survived by her husband Jim, sons Hank (Erin) Dougan and Matt (Kerri) Dougan of Littleton, daughter Katie (Adam) Garlow of Lynchburg, VA, brother Frank (Janice) Eakins of Littleton, sister Carol Kurrent of Aurora. She was 69 years old with her 70th birthday due in January.
On January 14, 1951, Jan was born to loving parents Audrey and Roger Eakins in Thornton, Colorado. She graduated from Ranum High School in 1969, received her Bachelor's degree from University of Colorado and her Master's degree at University of Oklahoma. She met Jim Dougan at University of Colorado in 1972 and they were married in 1974. Jim and Jan settled in Littleton, Colorado and raised three children. Jan worked as a speech pathologist for Littleton Public Schools in the late seventies. She returned to work as a speech pathologist in the late eighties, first with the Elizabeth School District and then with Douglas County, retiring as Director of Special Education in 2007. Jan remained dedicated to the education of children throughout her professional career and made many meaningful impacts.
Jan was healthy, full of life and love, so her passing was unexpected and devastating to so many. Jan is known to her grandchildren as "Grammy Jammy" and can always be counted on for hugs, ice cream cones, piano lessons, and dinosaur toys. Throughout her life, Jan enjoyed travel, playing bridge, and gardening. In retirement, she explored new hobbies including knitting, choir, watercolor painting, and performing with the Legendary Ladies. Jan was incredibly intelligent, a two-time CU Trivia Bowl champion, and the family room Jeopardy Champion of the world:).
A celebration of her life will take place in the Spring or Summer when conditions permit. Details will be posted here when finalized. In lieu of flowers or gift baskets, the family encourages those wishing to share their support to make a donation in Jan's name to the Craig Hospital Foundation so her memory will live on in support of a worthy Colorado-based cause.
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Jan's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?