Obituary of Janice Jefferson

Janice Jefferson was born on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1946 in Portland, Oregon to Lt. James Kilthau and Katherine Kilthau. Her family moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1955. Jan arrived in Tucson to attend St. Joseph's Academy where she graduated in 1964. She then attended the University of Arizona where she met her future husband, Tom Jefferson and would graduate with a BA in Elementary Education in 1968. Her first teaching job was in Ajo, Arizona teaching 1st grade and she would go on to work at several elementary schools in Tucson. She married Tom Jefferson in 1973 and later took a break from teaching to raise her two sons. Jan volunteered at St. Cyril's Catholic school while her sons attended and then returned to teaching full time in 1995. After retiring in 2003, Jan devoted her time to her family, participating in Small Christian Community at St. Cyril's parish, being an active member of P.E.O Chapter B.Q., and exercising with Better Than Ever. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and family throughout Europe, Central America, Mexico and even won an Alaskan cruise. Running and walking with Better Than Ever became one of her passions where she accomplished goals such as running a half marathon and completing a 182 mile pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Her other passions were her two beautiful granddaughters. She passed away at home with her family at her side on December 9, 2015. Janice Jefferson is survived by her husband, Tom; children, Timothy (Mario) and Brian (Kate) and grandchildren, Audrey and Claire. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul's at St. Cyril's Church, 4725 E. Pima St., Tucson, Arizona 85712. Janice wanted to express her gratitude to her family, friends, PEO sisters, Better Than Ever, Dr. Ana Maria Lopez and the staff at Casa de Luz Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Cyril's Church at noon on Saturday, December 19, 2015. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.