Janice May Uschlbec Erickson

Jan (Janice May Uschlbec) Erickson, 73, died peacefully with her children by her side on August 19, 2021 at her home in Windsor CO. She beat the odds for living with non-smoker’s lung cancer, surpassing the medical community’s expectations, enjoying life since her unexpected diagnosis in May 2015. Her mantra throughout her cancer journey was "I am not my body” and her positive attitude carried her through her various rounds of treatment and her last year when treatment was no longer an option. While the cancer might have weakened her body, it never weakened her sprit!! Jan was born in Cleveland OH on October 16, 1947 to John Louis and Esther May (Scott) Uschlbec. She was raised in Fairview Park OH with her brother, John Allen Uschlbec, and graduated from Fairview Park High School in 1965. She attended The University of Toledo (OH) graduating with an Associate Degree in General Studies in 1967 and LaVerne College (CA) graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology in 1977. Jan married Steve (Stephen Flanders) Erickson on June 17, 1967. In 1969 Steve was commissioned as a US Navy officer and together they lived in 16 homes in 52 years! She enjoyed meeting new people and having adventures wherever life’s journey brought her. They had two children, Kristy (1970) and Keith (1972) and together the four of them made memories throughout the U.S. and Japan. Jan and Steve ultimately retired in Windsor CO near their son and grandson. Steve passed away in March 2019, and while she missed him tremendously, time with her children and grandchildren helped to fill the void. Jan was a lifelong Girl Scout and an avid volunteer. She enjoyed nature, hiking, camping, and travel and sharing those passions with other Girl Scouts young and old. She held various roles over the years, as a scout, leader, and member of the Green Hat Society. She was a founding member of the Sierra Silver Streaks Chapter in NV and a member of the Plains to Peak Chapter in CO. Being a Girl Scout brought her friendships around the world. She travelled to England, Scotland, and Ireland with members of Tokyo Troop 113 in 1985 and to Switzerland with members of the Green Hat Society in September 2014. Her volunteer experiences always involved helping people, the most memorable being as her time as an EMT in South Carolina, an English conversation teacher during her years in Japan, and an educator at Elam Environmental Center at Camp Ken-Jockety near Columbus OH. Her last adventures took her on travels to Israel and Italy in 2019. A favorite quote of hers and one which inspired her to live ever day to the fullest - "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother. She is survived by: daughter Kristy Lyn (Michael) Vannelli of San Francisco CA; son Keith Michael Erickson of Livermore CO; grandchildren: Joseph Enzo, Leo Nicolo and Alessia Rose Vannelli, and Ryker Chase Erickson; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and friends around the world. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 11am at Our Lady of the Valley in Windsor CO. Jan will be laid to rest in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville OH. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL).