Obituary of Jan Evans

On the morning of April 23rd heaven came to reclaim an angel, our friend and mother Jan Evans. She passed away from complications due to a recent struggle with cancer.

Janet Helen Smail was born on August 17, 1947, in Harrisburg, PA, to Edward and Wanda Smail. She graduated from Maine South High School in Park Ridge, IL, in 1965. She then attended college at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where she studied Special Education.

In 1969, Jan married Jim Evans and taught special education until they moved to Duluth, MN, in 1973. They worked at Homes Inc. as apartment managers for adults with developmental disabilities. In 1974, they bought a home in the Fond du lac neighborhood that she truly loved making a welcoming place for all. Jan spent countless afternoons gardening, reading, and making crafts, and she was known to raise a kitten or two.

Jan and Jim raised their three kids in this home; Erin was born in 1974, Bowen in 1977, and Ian in 1980. Continuing their work supporting people with developmental disabilities, Jan and Jim started EBI Inc. in 1986. The following year, St. Louis County approached Jan to work as a consultant with adult foster care. After their divorce, she branched out on her own to open JE & Associates. Jan was instrumental in helping people with developmental disabilities find a home, and in helping families become adult foster care providers.

Jan volunteered at the Duluth Public Library, CHUM, Sacred Heart, and was an active member at Asbury United Methodist Church. She was an avid collector of plants, paper cranes, books, family photos, reading glasses, glue guns, change, and Birkenstocks. Jan would find a good saying, laminate it, put a magnet on the back, and give it to everyone she knew. She was a very generous soul to each person she met. She also loved to travel, including trips to Jamaica, Europe, and Central America. In 1995, Jan went to China with Nancy Reid to meet her goddaughter, Madison, who has continued to be a very special part of her life. She also enjoyed spending time with her three grandchildren, whether stateside or overseas.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents Ed and Wanda Smail; sister-in-law Patty; and brother David.

She is survived by her siblings Harry (Arlo) and Julie (Rick), and cousin Lee (Joanie); her children Erin (Herb), Bowen (Kelsey), and Ian (Marissa); goddaughter Madison; grandchildren Hudson, Lawson, Harper, Johnathan (Kaylene), and Kaitlyn; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends too numerous to mention. Jan spent her lifetime caring for an impossible number of people whom she loved very dearly.

Because Jan felt strongly for our safety during the pandemic, her private service will be live streamed from Asbury UMC on Friday, April 30, at 10am. Family and close friends will be invited to attend. The family will also hold a visitation at the Buffalo House from 11am-2pm following the service.

The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Hospital and Ecumen Lakeshore, The Fountains for the care our mom received. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to CHUM Food Shelf (www.chumduluth.org).