Janice "Jan" M. Hansen

“To describe my mother, would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. 
Or the climbing falling colors of a rainbow.”  ~Maya Angelou 
 
Jan was larger than life in every sense of the word with a heart as big as her personality.  She was remarkable, truly one of a kind, absolutely, unapologetically, authentic. Jan was a wild, fun-loving woman and a prayerful holy woman at the same time. Jan lived her life with passion and purpose. Her infectious laughter was abundant and her caring nature touched the lives of all who crossed her path.
 
Jan set out after graduating from Bethlehem Academy in Faribault, Minnesota obtaining a lab tech degree from the Professional Business Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jan married the love of her life, Mark Hansen, in 1972, and they shared a decade between Santa Barbara, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jan worked in doctor's offices and found a passion for hot air balloons among her other many interests. Jan and Mark then returned to Faribault, where she worked with her best friend and mother, Lorraine Shevlin in her thrift shop. Jan was incredibly proud of her mother and the legacy of the thrift shop. Her love for it soon took over and it became Jan’s Thrift Shop. Jan’s shop was a ministry to her. She treasured and rejoiced in each customer, helping families get started by providing clothing and necessities for women, children, immigrants, and refugees from the inventory of her shop. Her knowledge and sharing of community resources gave her great joy. Jan made sure the smiles were continuous, her tears were sprinkled as necessary, and the love she showed was never-ending in her shop. Jan’s involvement in the community was extensive and impactful as she dedicated her time and resources to causes that were near and dear to her heart. From the Chamber of Commerce to the Hot Air Balloon Rally; Jan was on every board and committee and was very active in her church. Jan was always at the forefront leading by example and inspiring others. 
 
Jan passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2024. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Church in Faribault on Thursday, March 7, with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the mass. Guests are invited to a luncheon following. The interment service will be held at Fort Snelling on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. 
 
Jan is survived by her daughter Erin Olson, of Santa Barbara, California, grandchildren Atlas and Zepplyn Olson of Santa Barbara, California, sisters, Joan Chavie (Mike Chavie) of Warsaw, Minnesota, Cindy Shevlin-Woodcock of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Marilyn “Punky” Morris (Dennis Morris) of Wasilla, Alaska, Madonna Chaika (Mark Chaika) of Anchorage, Alaska, and many nieces and nephews. Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Hansen, her mother, Lorraine Shevlin, her father Warren Shevlin, and brother in law Jack Woodcock. 
 
Jan will be deeply missed but her legacy of love, abundance, and caring will live on in the countless lives she touched. Jan leaves behind a community that is forever changed by her passion and dedication, and family and friends who will cherish the memories and laughter. Though we will miss her dearly we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her husband and parents, surrounded by the beauty and wonder she so cherished in this life. May her spirit continue to inspire us and remind us to always seek out the amazing in every moment. Jan, you are unforgettable and your light will continue to shine brightly in all of our hearts.