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Pamela Sue (Garing) Jansen, 67, a beloved soul cherished by many, peacefully transitioned from this earthly existence to her heavenly abode, surrounded by her loving family, on March 26, 2024, in Tucson, AZ. Pam entered this world on June 11, 1956, born to Robert and Mary (Rhodes) Garing in Fowler, IN. She grew up in Rockville, IN, alongside her two younger brothers, Jeffery and Daniel.
In 1976, Pam graduated with an AA in Accounting from Ivy Tech College in Terre Haute, IN. While in Terre Haute, she crossed paths with her soulmate & life partner, James Jansen. Their union was blessed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rockville on May 14, 1977.
Following Jim's graduation from the IU School of Dentistry in 1980, they embarked on a journey to Kendallville, IN. There they founded Jansen Family Dentistry. For nearly 40 years, Pam dedicated herself to managing the accounting and business aspects of their warm, family-centered dental practice. The fruits of their compassion were evident in the care they offered to their patients.
Pam's life was enriched by her daughters, Heather Rose Jansen (born in 1981) and Hilary Rae Jansen (born in 1985). Her passions extended beyond her professional life; she found joy in live music, photography, and birding. She is remembered for her hospitality and sense of style. Pam’s adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, forging lasting friendships wherever she went. In 2021, Pam and Jim embraced a new chapter in Tucson, Arizona, savoring the sunshine and dry climate together.
Pam leaves behind cherished memories in the hearts of her family. She is preceded in death by her mother Mary and her brother Jeffery. She is survived by her husband Jim, her daughter Heather, her partner Andrew McDade, her daughter Hilary, and her husband, Matthew Kitsemble. She is also survived by her father Bob and brother Dan. Pam was deeply loved by her brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, friends from her hometown and adopted hometown, and the diverse people she encountered during her travels.
Pam's vibrant life had many traits, but her genuine care and affection for those she held dear will forever be remembered and cherished. A burial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 18, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetary in Avilla, IN. A Celebration of Pam’s Life will be held immediately after at the Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville, IN.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pamela Sue Jansen, please visit our floral store.
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Karen Flock (Hughett) (1974)
Pam moved to Rockville our Freshman year. Evan though she was quiet and shy, Valerie and I quickly became friends with her. I remember she had a purple bedroom with a purple phone on her dresser. I was so envious!! Who had their own personal phone at that time?! (Her father worked for the phone company) She had the cutest laugh that stuck with her all her life. We three girls, along with Debbie Wood, had so much fun throughout high school. Always giggling in class, having sleepovers where we did very little sleeping, going for long drives in the country, and sharing our deepest secrets. After graduation, Valerie, Pam, and I moved into an apartment in Terre Haute. We attended Ivy Tech in Accounting. Valerie and Pam worked the evening shift at Columbia Records, and I worked at Meis downtown. I won't go into too many details, but we had so much fun living on our own! We three eventually married and started raising a family, so even though we kept in touch, we didn't see much of each other for several years. Once we turned 40, and the children were pretty much grown, we made a promise to get together once every year or so and enjoy a weekend together. We kept that promise until she passed away. We have been to Nashville, IN, Chicago, Madison, IN, Indianapolis, French Lick, Shipshewana, New York City, Pam's house, my house, Valerie's house, Tybee Island/Savannah...and when we turned 60 decided to do something big and take along our husbands, so we flew to Los Cabos, Mexico. Our last trip together was when we turned 65 and flew to Maui, HI. We have had such wonderful adventures together! Our 50+ year friendship was really special. I loved that no matter how long it was between visits, we could always pick up right where we left off. We have many, many wonderful memories to chersih. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be missed.