Janice Marie Durand

Jan Durand, 78, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on 11/11/2025.

She was born in Duluth, MN, the third of eleven children to Robert and Madeline Guite. Jan attended Duluth Cathedral High School, graduating in 1965. Her professional journey began with home daycare and culminated in her role as Finance Director at the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. Jan also spent years volunteering at Chris Jensen Nursing Home and St Mary’s Medical Center.

Jan’s hospitality cannot be easily summed up as she helped many people; it did not extend to just family but to anyone in need. Her ability to create a safe, warm, and welcoming space created many friendships. Those who knew her will remember her not only for her acts of service but for the warmth of her spirit, the generosity of her heart, and the countless lives she touched.

She was a devoted mother to Cory and Joseph, her pride and joy. In her later years, Jan enjoyed going on cruises and walking barefoot on beaches and spending time with her grandchildren.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Doug, parents, Robert and Madeline and brothers, Jerry, Dennis and Andy. She is survived by her sons, Cory (Leanne) and Joseph (Heather), grandsons, Jordan (Melanie), Ethan, Holden and Flynn, brothers Jeff, Larry and Jon and sisters, Joanne, Michelle, Paulette, and Annette and many nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, her ashes will be scattered in a location to be determined in the Twin Cities area.