Jan (Clark) Lancelot, formerly of St. Joseph and Niles, Michigan, died peacefully on March 9th, 2026, at age 85. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Jerry, in 2024. She is survived by their three children, Sue Parker, Texas, Bob (Terri), Massachusetts, and Greg (Tracey), Arkansas and her sister, Mary (Roy) Cacciatore, Freeport, NY and three sisters-in-law. Jan dearly loved her six grandchildren: Mike (Cristina), Kyle (Francie), Kate (Jack), Cody (Madison), Austin, and Grant (Cassidy) and her six great grandchildren Sofia, Samantha, Thomas, Quinn, Charlie, and Nora. She treasured spending time with her family and friends, travel, golfing, book clubs, gardening, and singing in her church choir.
Jan retired in 2000 from the St. Joseph and Berrien Springs, Michigan public schools where she taught for over twenty-two years. She was often approached by former students who would tell her how much she meant to them as a teacher and give her a hug.
She served as President of the Newcomers Club and Marian Guild in St. Joseph and was the English department chair and yearbook advisor at St. Joseph High School for many years. She was active in her church and the AAUW (American Association of University Women).
Born and raised in Bancroft, Iowa, Jan graduated from St. John’s High School and met her future husband there when he was in her older brother Jim’s wedding party.
Jan was elected the state of Iowa 4-H president and Miss North Iowa in 1958 before attending Iowa State University. She was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was chosen the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. She finished her Bachelor of Arts degree at Drake University in 1962 and later earned a Master of Arts in Education degree from Michigan State University.
She brought joy to the lives of so many. Her love, kindness, and constant smile will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, she wished any memorial gifts be made to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation (sjpsfoundation.org).
A family memorial service will be held to celebrate Jan and Jerry.
