Janet Aline (Laxson) Blanchard died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 5, 2025. She was 91.

Jan was born on February 12, 1934, the only child of Oliver and Irene (Hawkinson) Laxson, a small town pharmacist and school teacher in Canton, South Dakota. Jan attended the University of Colorado, graduating with a degree in Education in 1955. There she met her husband Dave Blanchard, and they married in 1955. Dave was in the Navy, which meant that Jan moved quite often up and down the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego. Dave went to work for IBM after he left the Navy, which meant the moves continued to New York, Oregon, and finally Scottsdale, Arizona where they settled in for the next 47 years.

As a result of all this moving, Jan was remarkably unsentimental about places or things. What she was sentimental about was family and friends. She was devoted to her husband and three sons, was a dream mother-in-law, and pampered and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jan fully enjoyed life. She decorated the house for every season and had seasonal outfits as well. She loved to bargain hunt and shop sales. She and Dave were active in their church, La Casa de Cristo. Jan played tennis until that became too physically taxing – and then picked up golf. The friendships she developed playing golf and tennis became lifelong. With Dave and their many friends, she traveled throughout the country and the world.

Even at age 91 Jan had lots of wonderful friends that she cherished. She had an active social life – PEO, church, two bridge clubs, and many friends who got together for lunch. During the COVID-19 pandemic she organized a "social distance" wine and cheese party in her senior living home that evolved into a real, no-kidding party in her apartment once the shut-down was over. Jan had many close friends because she was a very good friend indeed.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband Dave in 2016 and great-granddaughter Claire. She is survived by her sons Chuck (Allison), Scott (Cindy), and John (Kristin), nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the PEO, a scholarship program.

Checks can be sent to:

P.E.O. Chapter BL.

Dona Campbell, Treasurer

3133 East Kerry Lane Phoenix, AZ 85050