Mary Janet Gordon

Mary Janet “Jan” Gordon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, enveloped by the love of her family. She was 72.

Born on September 30, 1952, in Seguin, Texas, to Leo and Estelle Frels, Jan was one of eight remarkable children in a family rich in love, creativity, and resilience.

From her earliest days, she forged a life marked by deep affection—for her family, for her friends, and for the world around her. Jan married the love of her life, Rob Gordon, and together they built a life grounded in love, friendship, and adventure. Over the course of their 50 years of marriage, Jan and Rob raised three children, traveled the world, and created a home rich in warmth and connection. Jan was a devoted partner whose presence was both grounding and inspiring.

Jan’s role as mother is one of her greatest joys, and she nurtured her children—Jacob, Sarah, and Matthew—with creativity, compassion, and an infectious sense of fun. She passed down her love of nature, of crafting, of tradition, and of family. Her children carry her spirit forward in their hearts and lives, forever grateful for the gift of her love.

Jan’s joy deepened with the arrival of her grandchildren. As “Oma,” she formed unique and lasting bonds with Trey, Story, Hazel, Leo, and Olive, infusing their lives with unforgettable adventures, imaginative play, heartfelt traditions, and unwavering love. Oma had an extraordinary way of making every moment special and meaningful, and she leaves behind cherished memories that will continue to shape and uplift her grandchildren throughout their lives.

A lifelong learner and nature enthusiast, Jan studied botany in her early adulthood and remained passionate about the earth’s beauty. She earned a B.S. degree (cum laude) in Horticulture at Texas A&M University. After retirement, she and Rob settled in Sandpoint, Idaho, where Jan became an active member of the community and indulged in her inherent enthusiasm for adventure. Whether on hiking trails, the pickleball court, at concerts, in her garden, volunteering at Bizarre Bazaar, or crafting in her home studio, Jan embraced every moment with purpose and presence. Her friendships were deep and lasting, and she was a beloved neighbor and friend to many.

In September 2024, Jan received a difficult diagnosis and faced her illness with courage and grace, determined to spend as much meaningful time with her loved ones as possible. Despite the challenges, her final months were marked by profound beauty—family gatherings, heartfelt conversations, a dance at her grandson’s wedding, and countless tender moments. Her strength inspired those around her, and she was held in love and care until her final breath.

Jan was lovingly supported through her journey by the dedicated teams at the UT Mays Cancer Center, Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, Eden Hill, and Hope Hospice. Her family is deeply grateful for the dignity, compassion, and support these caregivers provided.

Jan’s legacy is a life defined by love—love for her family, for nature, for creativity, for connection. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jan’s honor to the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Christian Cupboard of Seguin Texas, or the Community Assistance League of Sandpoint- three causes close to her heart. To know Jan is to have witnessed her constant selflessness, kindness and her quiet way of nurturing others. Jan was benevolent in her care for friends and family, forgave graciously, loved to play games, marveled in the beauty of nature, and hated bananas.

Nearing the end of her journey, Jan expressed an understanding that she would remain present in the lives of her loved ones. So, as we mourn this great loss and this change in our relationship with her, we remain fortunate to further witness her spirit, her gifts, and the boundless love she leaves behind. She’ll be remembered tending to her garden, sipping wine while overlooking the lake, diligently creating a heartfelt craft for her grandchildren, or playing a friendly (and always competitive) game of Scrabble or pickleball. She will be in the birds that float down to visit, the wind that stirs the leaves, and the sun that warms us.

We will forever love you, Jan, Mom, Oma, sister, friend.

A Celebration of Life, for family, will be held in Texas to honor Jan’s life and love.