She was a proud Hilo High Viking (1951) and Cal Bear (1957).
Jan married Hilo boy William Garvie Hall in 1955, and together they had five children: Neil (Denise) Hall, Donald Hall, Owen (Christine) Hall, Carolyn Hall (Gregory) Moss, and Colleen (Randy Grune) Hall. In 1997, she married Honolulu boy Bobby Cooper and they shared 13 wonderful years together. This marriage led to her becoming a loving stepmother to Peggy (Ken) Monroe, Eric Cooper, Beth Cooper, Robin Cooper and hana'i daughter Chris Jutsum.
Jan loved living in Hilo, her beautiful garden, teaching at Waiakea High School, going on adventures, attending Church, volunteering at Peanut Butter Ministry, making lilikoi jelly, playing tennis at Hilo Yacht Club, studying `olelo Hawai`i, collecting little treasures for her home, dancing hula, playing ukulele and piano, picking `ohelo berries at Volcano and making `ohelo berry pie with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, stepchildren; grandchildren: Kevin, Matthew, Jeff, Hobey, Jordan, Kelsey, Makena, and Forrest; great-grandchildren: Wren, Piper, Wylder, Hannah, and Maverick; siblings: Winifred Bailey, Heather Brandt, and Owen Williams; nieces, nephews and her many friends.
With her warm energy and huge heart, Jan made friends everywhere she went. She was patient, kind, loving, strong, a lifelong learner, and a best friend. She loved life and will be forever in our hearts….
Services will be held at a future date.
Donations in memory of Jan may be made to:
Hilo United Methodist Church, 374 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720 OR Hawaii Care Choices, 1011 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720