Jan was born on November 6, 1938 in Parkersburg, WV, the daughter of Clifford R. Jeffries and Ruth E. Athey. She died in Kennewick, WA on May 10, 2007, from recurrence of an aggressive cancer. Jan grew up in Parkersburg. She graduated from Parkersburg High School, where she was elected a class officer and was an enthusiastic participant in extracurricular activities such as a cappella chorus, debate, and drama. Jan also developed her talents as a pianist, organist and seamstress. She attended Ohio University and graduated with a BS degree in Education. While at OU, she was in Chi Omega sorority, was a student body officer, a prom queen and, during her senior year, head cheerleader. In 1960, Jan married E. Thomas Weber and began her teaching career. She earned a Masters degree in Library Science from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. In 1964, Jan moved with her husband to Kennewick, WA. Her family expanded to include three daughters, which she nurtured as a stay-at-home Mom. During this period, she applied her energy and leadership talents to various community activities. She was active in and served as President of The Symphony Guild, the Vista Women?s Club, the Vista School PTA and her PEO sorority chapter. Jan served on the Mid-Columbia Library Board of Trustees for 8 years. She led a 4-H and a Campfire Girls group and worked on Richland Community Concerts membership campaigns. In addition to her life-long passion for piano, classical music and sewing, Jan played tennis, enjoyed camping, hiking and skiing with her children and husband and loved gardening and rose cultivation. She was an advocate for the environment and for conservation of natural areas and wilderness. As her children matured, Jan reentered professional life as a part time teacher and librarian in the Pasco and Kennewick schools. In 1984 she assumed a full time position with the Kennewick School District as teacher/librarian at Hawthorne Elementary School, which she held until her death. Since her schedule included classroom and library time with all grades and classes, she touched the lives of every student and colleague in the school. Jan was passionate about stimulating children?s interest in reading and literature. Through her initiative, she secured grants to fund enrichment programs, organized field trips to the Hanford Reach and started a chess club. Jan?s drive for professional excellence led her to active participation in the Washington Library Media Association, for which she held several offices and served as President. Jan also led creation of the WLMA Sasquatch Award for outstanding children?s books. She was a co-founder of The Literacy Connection, which supports visits to Tri-Cities schools by authors of children?s literature. She was elected a regional director and served on the national board of the American Association of School Libraries. Jan was appointed by the Governor to a position on the Washington State Library Council. Jan is survived by: her mother Ruth Duffendack of Naples, FL; her husband of 47 years, E. Thomas Weber; daughter Barbara A. Weber of Boise, ID; daughter Deanna E. Baldi and son-in-law Josh Baldi and grandson Cole Baldi of Seattle; daughter Amy M. Sutherland and son-in-law Michael Sutherland of Auburn, WA. Memorial contributions in-lieu of flowers may be made to: Friends of the Washington State Library, P.O. Box 14986, Tumwater, WA 14986 or The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 100, Arlington, VA 22203 or Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, 2108 W. Entiat Pl., Kennewick, WA 99336. A Remembrance Service is scheduled for 4:00pm, Thursday, May 17 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, WA