Janet Mae Drees

Janet Mae Drees was born on November 4, 1928 on the West Side of Cleveland, Ohio, to Genevieve Pylick Drees and Amadeus Lawrence Drees.  She led a gregarious life and passed on to the next on September 13, 2025, two months short of 97 (in her Sarasota home of 50 years, with family around, as she had hoped).  Jan was as fascinating and complicated as was her life.  She was blessed with great “people skills” and a wispy carriage to match.  Jan married early and had six children over a period of 12 years (one every two years, alternating boy/girl).  As one can imagine, the subsequent years were all-consuming and provided the bulk of family stories and recollections—lots of memorable moments (the mirthful, inspirational and exasperational).  Jan left a legacy of self-sufficiency, fierce independence, intellectual curiosity, creativity, flair and love of life.  She was particularly famous for her dedication to nutrition and life-extension regimens (which obviously paid dividends).  In addition to her brother (Dick Drees) and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is survived by 5 of her 6 children (Mike, Beth, Bob, Pat and Mary; Dale having predeceased her).  Jan will be interred at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland next to Genevieve (her mother, who died when Jan was not yet 3 years old).  A joyous reunion (94 years in the making) will ensue.

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