Jan C. Doetsch

Jan Carlton Doetsch, 76, passed away peacefully at Avow's Hospice House in Naples, Florida, on November 14, 2024, with a favorite hospice nurse by her side to give her a loving sendoff. Born on July 11, 1948, in Cambridge, Maryland, she graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with a B.A. in German and a Russian minor.
Jan was the bar manager at the Willow Grove American Legion in Pennsylvania before moving to Naples to be near family. For 25 years she was the clinical researcher, writer, and editor for Quality of Life Publishing Co., dedicated to helping hospices nationwide provide their compassionate care through branded educational publications.
Jan captivated others with her down-to-earth approach and legendary hugs. Anyone who knew her was immediately embraced and enthralled by her warmth, positivity, and genuine interest in learning about others and enthusiastically listening to their life stories. A natural storyteller herself, Jan was an avid reader, philosopher, and lover and protector of all wildlife, especially feral and abandoned cats.
Jan is survived by her sister Karla (Doetsch) Wheeler, niece Jenny Lee Wheeler, brother-in-law Gary Asztalos, aunt Jeanne (Doetsch) Hillyer, and many loving cousins who brought her joy through their messages and visits her last weeks. She was predeceased by her parents Lewis Carlton and Marie (Cooley) Doetsch; brother-in-law Gerry Wheeler; uncle Matthew A. Doetsch, Jr.; uncle James W. Cooley; and aunt and uncle Doris (Doetsch) and Elmon Burton.
If you wish to make a memorial gesture, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the non-profit Empty Meow Corral, 3680 33rd Ave. N.E., Naples, Florida, 34120, which is providing sanctuary to Jan's beloved cats Mahoney, Luke, Gabe, and Mickey.
The family thanks everyone who compassionately cared for Jan during the final chapter of her earth journey, especially those at Avow Hospice House and The Chateau nursing facility.
A celebration of her life will be held in Naples in April.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.shikanyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, which has lovingly served three generations of Jan's family.