Janet "Jan" (Dodder) Shoup

Doulas--Jan Shoup died peacefully at home on Thursday September 26, 2019. 

Preceeded by her husband of 60 years Ray Shoup, Survived by sister Lucina Sekulski and husband Bill Sekulski; daughter Cathy Kane and husband Sean Kane; daughter Lynda Shoup and granddaughter Madeleine Ooka; and son David Shoup. Jan had a habit of pushing the boundaries of the vision of family to include many others in her chosen family circle. Those she considered family would be too many to list.  

Jan took on the role of minister’s wife when she, just out of high school, married Ray. She credits the generosity of Russ and Ruth McGown, Homer and Sue Lane and Pat and Helen Ewing with guidance for navigating ministerial family life. In this role she excelled. 

Her genius for organizing and planning was shown to advantage in her event planning, program creation and keeping everything moving smoothly. Her passion was for connection. Her skills made it happen.

Jan valued community. Well known for the multitude of cards of celebration, encouragement, condolence and affirmation she sent to a wide range of people. She insisted on buying pretty stamps, marking milestones and staying connected. 

Jan was a good listener. She firmly believed that it was more interesting to listen to others than to hear herself speak. She learned much that way, but more importantly she forged relationships and provided kindness and relief. Her involvement in Stephen Ministries was one of the ministries of which she was most proud. She cherished her roles as wife, mother, grandmother and friend. 

A memorial service will be held at the Village Congregational Church in Whitinsville, MA at 11:00 am on October 5, 2019 with a luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation St. Worcester, MA 01605. Jan's  deep gratitude to the team from Notre Dame Hospice makes this a particularly heartfelt cause. 

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