Janet Ruth Heistermann

Janet "Jan" Ruth Goodall Heistermann

September 16, 1941 – November 6, 2025

Janet "Jan" Ruth Goodall Heistermann passed away peacefully at her home in Fountain Valley, California, surrounded by family and friends, after a brief battle with sarcoma. Born in Harvard, Illinois, Jan grew up in a close-knit family, graduating from Harvard High School and the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. She spent joyful summers water-skiing and teaching swimming on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin.

Jan enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career as a United Airlines flight attendant, beginning in 1963 and flying from several bases, including Honolulu, ultimately serving as a respected Chief Purser on international routes from LAX. She was an advocate for her flying partners, serving on AFA Local Council 12's Grievance and Occupational Committees, where she tirelessly supported injured flight attendants in their return to work. After retiring in 2003, she helped establish and maintain the Retiree Association of Flight Attendants-CWA at LAX and continued to be a resource and connector for the retiree community. She was also a proud member and past o cer of Clipped Wings.

A natural community builder, Jan was known as both "the glue" and "the magnet" who brought people together-whether through her legendary parties, her involvement with the Fountain Valley Women's Club and Foundation, her bridge and bunco groups, or her dedicated condominium association work. She was passionate about dog rescue, philanthropic causes, and travel, especially to her beloved Okaloosa Island condo in Florida.

Jan was also an accomplished and award-winning needlework artist, earning top honors at the Orange County Fair and teaching others the craft she so loved. She generously supported the arts, including South Coast Repertory and the Huntington Beach High School Academy for the Performing Arts.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Heistermann; and her parents, C.I. and Louise (Shuman) Goodall.

She is survived by her brother, George F. Goodall (Fran), and her sister, Helen Hawkinson (John); nieces and nephews Sandra Zern, Eric Goodall (Sharon), Laura Goodall-Brown (Janet), Stephen Hawkinson, and Sarah Oglesby (Mark); and by her late husband's children and their families. She is also remembered by many grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews who brought her great joy.

She will be laid to rest beside Forrest at Riverside National Cemetery. Jan leaves behind a legacy of service, creativity, leadership, and deep friendship. She will be profoundly missed by her family, her flight attendant community, and her many friends whose lives she touched with warmth, loyalty, and unwavering support.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held at a later date. Details to follow once arrangements are finalized.