Janice "Jan" Lorraine Heller

Janice (Jan) Lorraine Heller passed away on September 5, 2026 in Frederick, Maryland with her two daughters and two son-in-laws by her side. Jan is survived by her husband of over 69 years, Richard Heller. She is survived by her two daughters, Diane Heller Stabb (John Stabb) and Cynthia Ann Mesmer (Joseph Mesmer). She was a grandmother to six grandchildren, Amanda Smallwood (Kevin), Andrew Stabb (Kathleen), Alden Stabb (Sara), Anne Prior (Kevin), Freddy Mesmer and Dori Mesmer. She also had 5 great grandchildren, Wyatt, Lucy, Patrick, Ava, and Thomas. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Hildreth, and her cousin Ruth Mattheson, as well as her niece Nancy Orr, and nephews, Keith Heller and Scott Hildreth and many cousins and friends.

Jan was born on February 8, 1936, in the town of Estherville, Iowa. She was raised on a farm in the town of Dolliver and attended schools in Dolliver. She was an athlete, playing basketball on the high school women’s team and was a cheerleader for the men’s basketball team.

Upon graduation from high school, Jan joined the U.S. Navy. She was a photographer and stationed initially in Washington D.C. She met her husband Rich, while in the Navy. They married on April 1, 1957.

Jan was an active volunteer in her community, church and daughters’ schools. She stayed at home to raise her daughters and then entered the workforce in the administration field. First, at Prince George’s County Board of Education Testing Department, and later as the Executive Assistant for a custom home builder.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She hosted many sleepovers, attended games, piano and dance recitals, grandparents’ days at school, and loved being together at the beach.

Jan was an active participant in helping her husband Rich restore a 1922 Hupmobile. They made many trips to Hershey, PA to sort through baskets of car parts to obtain whatever may have been needed for the restoration. Once it was fully restored, they enjoyed riding through the neighborhood and providing many rides to their grandchildren.

Jan was a great friend to many and was incredibly loyal to her friends. A huge joy for her was her annual Christmas Cookie Party which she started in Bowie, in the early 60’s. All attendees were asked to bring an extra dozen for the USO and for a neighbor’s son who was a Marine serving in Vietnam. The cookie party tradition continued in her new neighborhood in Davidsonville, following the move from Bowie, MD.

Jan and Rich enjoyed many cruises and adventures with their Bowie friends and remained lifelong friends. They also frequently joined Jan’s annual family reunion trips traveling to many destinations across the US and abroad.

Throughout her life, Jan was constantly making new friends whether in her Davidsonville neighborhood, Ocean City, MD, or at their wonderful community of Homewood where the residents and staff became cherished friends as well. At Homewood, Jan volunteered on the hospitality committee, writing and delivering care cards and at the country store where she was always excited to sell donated items to benefit Homewood.

Jan’s love of family, and her many friendships will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held on October 20, at the Homewood Chapel, 7407 Willow Road, Frederick, MD. Visitation will be at 9:30 am followed by the service at 10:30 am. A private burial will be at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Homewood Foundation or The Wounded Warrior Project.