Janet Ranae McNair

It is with an abundance of love and many heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet Mother and Grandma, Janet Renae Thorup McNair. She was an eccentric woman who held a love of all things whimsical and enchanted. She was our holiday queen, always dressing to the occasion and spreading the cheer as far as she could. Both her smile and joy were contagious; she was someone who made friends wherever she went. She enjoyed a life full of creation, compassion, and kindness— a legacy we will all try to keep alive. 

Jan was born on March 26,1951, to Marian and Glen Thorup in Salt Lake City, and spent her life living in the Salt Lake Valley. After graduating college, her first job was at ABC Records, where she worked with both Jazz and R&B musicians. Later in her years, she found herself serving many different roles, including working for Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Draper Animal Control, and later joining the University of Utah’s Animal Research department. As an animal technician, Jan enjoyed taking care of all the animals there, but had a close bond with the monkeys. She retired in 2011. In her spare time, she loved working with ceramics. She also had a fondness for gardening and had quite the green thumb. Jan found serenity in the outdoors and was not one to turn down a fishing trip. 

She is survived by her sister and best friend Lisa, brothers Rob and Bill, her children Shawn (Shana), Briar, and Nate, her grandchildren Jordan, Mackenzie, Matthew, Jazmine, and Sierra, two great grandchildren Allena and De’Tavius Jr., and her dogs, Abbie and Sky. We will forever miss her but are grateful for the years we were able to cherish and enjoy her. Thank you for all of the love and laughter you provided, Jan. We hope you know how loved you are and how much you will be missed. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, from 1:00-2:30pm at Broomhead Funeral Home located at 12600 S. 2200 W., Riverton, UT.