Jan VanBuren

Jan VanBuren age 82, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on October 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and a lifetime devoted to loving and serving others. Born on September 11, 1944, at Mercy Hospital in Jackson, Michigan, she was the daughter of Harold and Barbara Bliss.

To know Jan was to know kindness. A devoted Catholic and a true woman of God, she lived her faith not simply through words, but through countless acts of compassion, generosity, and service. She had a heart for those in need, a willingness to help wherever she could, and a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and loved.

Throughout her life, Jan dedicated herself to caring for others without ever seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. As a nurse, she brought comfort and compassion to those who needed it most, and her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her professional work. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, assisting families in finding food, shelter, and support. She also traveled to disaster-stricken areas to offer her nursing skills to those in need. Her generous spirit was evident in her involvement with Catholic Charities, where she served at the Linen Closet, collecting, organizing, and distributing donations. Through St. Vincent de Paul, she helped individuals and families secure lodging, delivered food, and supported the food bank.

Jan’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was deeply involved in her church communities, giving her time and heart to ministries that brought hope, healing, and fellowship to others. At Queen’s, she participated in Treasures in Our Hearts, a ministry supporting families grieving the loss of a child, and Walking with Purpose, a women’s Bible study, where she also served as a group leader. She was a Eucharistic minister and was involved in the Amaranth funeral ministry, offering comfort to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. She was also a founder of St. Luke’s Clinic, where she volunteered her time and nursing expertise, and established the Parish Nursing ministry at St. John’s. Her dedication to caring for others was a reflection of the faith she carried in her heart and the love she so willingly shared.

Jan truly found joy in bringing people together. Whether she was offering a helping hand, sharing her faith, comforting someone in grief, or simply showing up when she was needed, Jan made the world a little kinder just through her presence. Of all the blessings in her life, none meant more to her than being a mother, nana, and great-nana. Her family was her greatest joy, her proudest accomplishment, and the center of her world. She proudly devoted her life to loving, caring for, and giving to those she held dear.

Jan leaves behind her four beloved children, Michelle McQueen, Shari Page, Randy VanBuren, and Larry VanBuren (Melanie). She was a cherished nana to Corey Thomas (Tiffany), Mandi Bee (the late Alex), Jordan James (Takeiya Haynes), Travis Page (Jeana), Brandon Sturgill (Jordan), Alexa Trojniak (Nicholas), Jaime McQueen, Wyatt Sanchez (Phillip), Trevor VanBuren, McKenna VanBuren (Shaun), Madison VanBuren, Colin Sturgill, Mike Luciano (Missy), and Devin Hamby (Alyssa). She was also a loving great-nana to Emilee, Kage, Greyson, Jameson, Roland, Charlotte, Morgan, Oliver, Magnolia, Aidan, Drew, Caleb, Casey, and Luca. Jan also shared many years of her life and the blessing of their children with her former husband, Larry VanBuren (Donna).

Jan is also survived by her beloved siblings, Mary Hawley and Martin Bliss (Jean). She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harold and Barbara Bliss, and her brother-in-law, Sam Hawley.

Although her passing was sudden and heartbreaking, the love Jan gave so freely will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is found not only in the family she raised and the communities she served, but in every act of kindness inspired by her example. She spent her life living for Christ, and while her earthly work is complete, the goodness she brought into this world will carry on through all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and lovingly remembered.

According to her wishes cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Rosary service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church would be appreciated.