Janice R. Humphreys, a woman of deep and abiding faith, devoted teacher, and elder-care provider, went to be with her Lord on November 30, 2025, at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. She was 87 years old.

Jan was the beloved wife of 62 years of Jon Humphreys of Burlington. She was the loving mother of Jay Humphreys & his wife Dawn of Melrose, Glenn Humphreys & his wife Yumi of Hooksett, NH, and Lynne Goerlich of North Olmsted, OH.  Jan was the sister of Priscilla Simm of Falmouth, ME, Frank Powers, Jr. of Brunswick, ME, the late Patricia Peddle, and the late Carolyn Lindstrom.  Jan was the loving grandmother of Marianna Humphreys, Alycia Humphreys, Leah Humphreys, Joshua Humphreys, Timothy Humphreys, Samantha Goerlich, and Jessica Goerlich.  She was the great grandmother of Isabella “Izzy” Humphreys.

Born in Malden on March 26, 1938, Jan was the fourth of five children of Frank and Anna Powers. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in Melrose. A graduate of Melrose High School, she went on to earn her teaching degree from Bridgewater State Teachers College.

Jan dedicated 20 years to teaching, starting with kindergarten and first grade in the Wakefield public schools, and later teaching at Grace Chapel’s nursery school in Lexington. After retiring from teaching, she began a new career in a completely different direction, becoming an aide at Cooperative Elder Services in Arlington. Whether caring for young children or supporting seniors, Jan found great satisfaction in enriching the lives of those she served. In her elder-care role, many of her clients were actually younger than she was. She believed deeply in offering kindness and dignity to everyone who entered her life.

Jan’s faith was a central and enduring part of her life. Growing up in Melrose, she and her family were members of the First Baptist Church. It was through her faith community that she met her future husband, Jon. The church had sponsored a college-age social group, and Jon attended with a friend. Jan and Jon spent much of that evening in the kitchen talking as if they had known each other forever. They were married at the First Baptist Church on February 3, 1963.

The couple settled in Burlington in 1967, where they raised their three children with Christian values and abundant love. They brought their children up at Grace Chapel in Lexington, where Jan worked in the church’s preschool program and taught religious education classes on Sundays. Jan and Jon also participated in several mission trips with the church—some to Tennessee to help rebuild churches and one to Germany. Later, the family found Mount Hope Church in Burlington, which became a second home. Jan cherished opportunities to deepen and share her faith with others and was an active member of both the Women’s Bible Study and the Seniors Bible Study groups.

Jan had many interests outside of work and church.  She was extremely creative and enjoyed painting, coloring, needlepoint,  quilting, knitting, and more. She was known for handmaking gifts, and for showing love through the act of a thoughtful gift. She loved taking photos, scrapbooking, and playing the piano. She had a fondness for flowers and took great joy in watching the birds visit her feeder. Jan appreciated the blessing of being able to keep up with her kids and grandkids through texting and messaging. She loved to play games. Jan treasured many trips to the family cabin in Deerfield, NH, that Jon and his father built. Jan and Jon also loved to travel together, visiting many beautiful places such as Aruba, Italy, and Japan.

Jan lived a beautiful and fulfilling life surrounded by family and friends. Her deep Christian faith guided her each day. She had an infectious smile, a kind and generous heart, a joyful laugh, and a spirit full of love. She had a wonderful (and corny) sense of humor. She will be lovingly remembered by the many whose lives she touched.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Sunday, December 14 from 4-6 p.m. A funeral service at the funeral home will begin at 6 p.m.  Private committal services for family and close friends will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA on Monday, December 15 at 11 a.m.

Memorials in Jan’s name may be made to New Life Home in Manchester, NH

For online guest book and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net