Janet Higgins-Jerry

Jan, beloved mother, grandmother, loved one, and friend passed away on the morning of March 24, 2025, in Lafayette, IN after a brave battle with cancer at the age of 83.

She was born on July 22, 1941, in Berwyn, Illinois to Harold and Leona Jannenga. Jan graduated from Hinsdale Township High School in 1959. She worked as a secretary at Argonne National Laboratory and later as a legal secretary in Charleston, IL and Terre Haute, IN. Jan earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Indiana State University in Elementary Education in 1967 and began teaching first grade at Lost Creek Elementary School. When her first child arrived in February of 1971, she began a leave of absence which lasted a number of years at home with the arrival of two more children. Jan earned a Master’s of Science degree from Indiana State University in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement in 1975, and when all the children were in school, began substitute teaching, eventually going back full-time at Deming Elementary in 1986. Jan remained at Deming teaching Transition classes and later serving as head Title I Reading Teacher until retirement in 2004.

In retirement, her greatest joy was the time spent with her five delightful grandchildren, Landon, Max, Valerie, Lauren, and Sam. Her grandchildren absolutely adored her as much as she adored them. Jan spent time volunteering with various organizations, including Friends of the Library, Kids Hope, and Educational Heritage Association. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter Z, Riverscape, I.S.U. Alumni Association, Indiana and Vigo County Retired Teachers Association, and OLLI.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband Robert H. Jerry, her parents, and her brother Barry Jannenga. Among her survivors are her son Michael Higgins (Debbie) and grandchildren Landon and Valerie of Avon, IN, Jennifer Higgins (Sam Perdue) and granddaughter Lauren of Lafayette, IN, son Mark Higgins (Sally) and grandsons Max and Sam of New Albany, OH., sister Carolyn Underwood, Cape Fair, Missouri, sister-in-law Marcia Jannenga, Sugar Grove, IL, and a number of other dear loved ones.

Visitation will be held from noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Grayless officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice, Vigo County Public Library, Vigo County Educational Heritage Association, or the Vigo County Education Foundation.