Janet M Keser

Janet McLaughlin Keser, 90, of Rocheport, Missouri, passed away in her sleep on June 26, 2024, after a brief illness. Jan was born on July 28, 1933, to Stuart and Virginia McLaughlin in Short Hills, New Jersey. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Bruce (Sandy) and John (Judi).
Survived by: her five daughters Gretchen Marchesani (Robert) of Redmond, WA, Kathryn Doescher (Larry) of Rocheport, MO, Leslie Kinkler (Richard) of Haddon Heights, NJ, Jennifer Young (Jeffrey) of Audubon, NJ, and Allison Kirk (Doug) of McKinney, TX; nine grandchildren Kaitlyn Doescher (Alex Antal), Daniel Kinkler (Kelsey Damato), Grace Kinkler (Nick Dekker), Lara Harmon (Matt), Robert Marchesani, Nicole Marchesani (Andrew Schoen), Vanessa Young (Matt Procida), Kai Kirk, and Kellan Kirk. She also was Gigi to four great-grandchildren Maggie, Blair, Margot, and Quinn.
After attending the University of Vermont and secretarial school, Jan began a career in New York City, commuting an hour and a half each way from Short Hills until finally moving to Brooklyn. She had a long-standing career as an Executive Assistant, often touted as the fastest typer anyone knew. At 46, she returned to school to get her bachelor's degree and continued working until the age of 72.
Jan was a remarkable individual-intelligent, caring, and beautiful. She had a deep love for animals and gardening, and she found joy in reading and playing Mahjong on her iPad. Classical music, especially on KDFC San Francisco, brought her great pleasure, as did her passion for musical theater, with Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado holding a special place in her heart.
Jan will be remembered fondly by friends and family for her independence, confidence, kind-heartedness, and positive spirit. She had a gift for connecting with others (she could and would talk to anyone), offering kindness, gardening tips, and warm conversation.
The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Antal, Doescher, and Harmon families for sharing their homes, lives, and experiences over the last few years, enriching Jan's life by providing many memorable experiences. She was so happy to be able to spend her golden years on the farm.
A service in celebration of Jan's life will be held at the Doescher home in Rocheport, Missouri, on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KDFC San Francisco or the Columbia SPCA. https://www.kdfc.com/give or the Columbia, Missouri SPCA https://cmhspets.org/donation-form/
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153.Condolences may be expressed online by "lighting a lantern" at www.millardfamilychapels.com.