Jan was born in Detroit, MI and spoke fondly of her childhood, especially family trips to see the holiday window displays at J.L. Hudson’s on Woodward. Lazy summers were spent in Marquette at the family camp on Lake Superior. Jan was very close to her brother Hazen, twelve years her senior, and Hazen often allowed his little sister to tag along on his dates. The family later moved to Coldwater, MI where Jan graduated from high school.
While pursuing a degree in journalism at Michigan State University, Jan Wellman was seated alphabetically next to Richard Weaver. The two married after graduation and lived in MSU’s married housing while Richard completed his Master’s in Education. The couple celebrated 57 years of marriage last summer, just before Richard passed away in September 2020.
Jan was a long-time employee of the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, acting as Public Information Officer for more than 20 years. She was part of the team responsible for bringing Christmas at Crossroads to life at Crossroads Village, and Jan was gratified to see this event become a holiday tradition for many area families.
In retirement, Jan and Richard moved to Midland, MI where she was a member of the Midland Garden Club and became a certified Master Gardener. The family often teased, however, that Jan was the Master while Richard was in fact the Gardener. Regardless, Jan’s beautiful home landscapes were meticulously maintained and always a work in progress. Retirement also allowed Richard and Jan to spend more summer days with family and friends at their Sweetwater Cottage in Harrisville, and many happy memories were made on the shores of Lake Huron.
Jan is survived by her children, daughter Holly (Ron) Nachtigal, son David Weaver of Traverse City, and grandsons Jimmy and Tommy. She was preceded in death by parents Alfred and Gwenyth (MacPhail) Wellman, and brother Hazen. The family is grateful to the staff at Vicinia Gardens Memory Care of Fenton and The Medical Team Hospice for the kind and respectful care given to Jan and her family.
Jan owned a dog (or two) most every day of her life, so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Genesee County, geneseehumane.org. A family memorial celebration for both Jan and Richard is planned for a later date.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18