Obituary of Janet Lindquist

 

Janet Rae Lindquist

Janet "Jan" Rae Lindquist, age 78, passed away on October 29, 2023. She was born on December 8, 1944, in St. Paul, MN. Jan was known for her intelligence, sense of humor, kindness, love, and unwavering support.

Jan had an impressive educational background. She graduated from Anoka High School in Anoka, MN. She then pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Macalester College, a Master of Arts in Social Work from Washington University of St. Louis, and an EDS degree in School Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado.

Throughout her career, Jan made a significant impact in various fields. She worked in social work in Inner City New York and at the VA hospital in St. Louis, MO. Jan also served as a Juvenile Parole Agent for the State of Minnesota, focusing on at-risk teenage girls. Once Jan became a licensed social worker (LSW), she worked as a therapist in a residential treatment center and in private practice in Eau Claire, WI and Littleton, CO.

Later in her career, Jan earned an Educational Specialist degree in school psychology, serving the Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, CO. She dedicated her expertise to help individuals, families, and youth.

Jan was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where she found solace, acceptance and community.

In her free time, Jan enjoyed volunteering, reading, playing games, working on puzzles, golfing, traveling, camping, birdwatching, keeping up with current events, fishing, and gambling on a budget.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on November 11, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, located at 8817 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.

Jan is survived by her beloved wife, Kim Joseph; her daughter, Abbey Harrison (Christopher); her grandsons, Ethan, Aidan, and Deacon Harrison; her mother-in-law, Betty Halderman; her sister, Barbara Miller (Kent); her sister-in-law, Lynn Halderman; her nieces, Sonja Miller (Cindy), Cara Halderman (David), and Leah Halderman (Dana); her nephews, Karl Hagstrom Miller (Amy), Martin Miller (Kara), and Chris Halderman (Caitlyn); her great-nieces, Alexis, Whitney (Alex), Meredith, Madeleine, Kiernan and Natalie; her great-nephews, Lucas, Henry, Aaron, Kai, and Evan; and her great-great-niece, Sophia.

Janet was preceded in death by her father, Raymond A. Lindquist, and her mother, Gladys T. Lindquist.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jan's memory to the Human Rights Campaign or The Southern Poverty Law Center in honor of Jan's commitment to social justice and equality. Additionally, contributions can be made to St. Luke's United Methodist Church.

“The Dash”

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth.
And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real,
and always try to understand the way other people feel.

Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

____________________

Jan pursued her life focused on faith, family and friends. Hers was a dash well-spent.

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