Jan Lynn Hopper Waugh

Jan Waugh Obituary

Jan Lynn Hopper Waugh

April 26, 2024

Pittsboro, North Carolina - Lifelong early childhood education advocate and practitioner, Janette ("Jan") Lynn Hopper Waugh passed away peacefully at home in Pittsboro on Friday, April 26, 2024 at age 68. A longtime resident of Chatham County, Jan had inner and outer beauty in spades. Deeply committed to her family and friends, she was an integral contributor to the special Chatham community. Jan headed the Old School at Fancy Gap for over a decade, the Chatham Childrens' corner decades prior, and had a penchant for remaining close with both students (and parents) whose early lives she helped to launch.

All who made it to the end of the long driveway on Lamont Norwood will remember Jan's Southern hospitality, DIY creativity, international flair, and ever present sweet tooth - all of which she shared generously over the years. She had perfected apricot and strawberry jam-making. Jan was the first to call out injustice, was committed to progressive causes domestically, and kept up with foreign affairs.

Spending her early childhood in Ankara, Jan maintained her affinity for Turkiye all her life, and had a passion for the region's archaeology. Earlier in life, she spent summers working in remote Alaska, where she fly-fished and built a close connection to the natural world. She would sometimes say of the land in Carolina, that it was a "three hawk day". Jan was the last off the beach, the last to leave an Idaho hot springs, and in recent years hiked Machu Picchu and safaried in Africa. Jan will be remembered for her immense generosity of spirit and sheer grit. Living days to the fullest, she taught us all not to delay adventures. Jan is survived by her husband Benny, sister Lauri, brother Mark, three daughters, two cherished granddaughters, and an endless community of friends. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Jan's dedicated UNC Oncology team.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to either Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network https://www.bcan.org/donate/. Please make in honor of Jan and to NC Triangle Chapter or to Chatham Outreach Alliance https://secure.qgiv.com/for/corfoopan/.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on May 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jan Waugh

7 Entries

Kimberley Brown

June 1, 2024

Oh, Bennet, my heart goes out to you and your children. Jan was a joy to hang out with, especially in line at Ken´s in Pine Point. Such a beautiful woman with a big, big heart and great sense of humor that bonded us. I will hold you in my heart and send you my love. It would be super to see you this summer. Or next summer. With love and a bear hug,
Cousin Kim

Kim (Friend and Skyler's 1st and 2nd grade teacher)

May 17, 2024

Oh Benny, Skyler and Hailey , I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jan. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Jan was a remarkable person whose warmth, kindness, and strength touched everyone who knew her.
Though no words can truly comfort you in such a profound loss, please know that my thoughts are with you. May you find solace in your cherished memories of her, and may those memories bring you some measure of peace in the days ahead.
Sending much love

Janet L Place

May 16, 2024

Oh no! I just heard about Jan's passing. I am heartbroken. She was an amazing woman. My love goes out to Benny and the rest of the family.

Becky

May 13, 2024

I was introduced to Jan when her mother married my father-in-law, a lovely second marriage later in life. I liked Jan right away. She was a creative and compassionate free-spirit and always welcomed my husband and me into her cozy and eclectic home. She carried a tremendous love for children, for animals, for cooking (without recipes!), for meeting new people, fighting for causes she cared about, and speaking her truth. She had that Southern charm that made her so loveable. She fought her illness with grace and dignity. I admire who Jan was in life and will miss her friendship and warm hospitality. I pray that her loving family will enjoy sharing memories of this special lady and mingle laughter with tears. The world lost a good one. May she rest in peace knowing she made a difference in this world.

Peggy Williams

May 12, 2024

Through her amazing daughter, I got to know her, Hailey has her genes and carrier her legacy with dugnity and honor. My deepest condolonces to the family.RIP.

Anne Stickney

May 12, 2024

I met Jan in 2004 and was always inspired with her rosy outlook on life. Being my sister in law, we had long talks about our families and the many causes that we had in common. Her approach to her cancer was not let it define her, and boy it did not. She kept going, wanting to be the "hostess with the mostest" and not to be a "guest" when visiting us her in Maine. She loved the beach and we had the pleasure to go twice with her and family. I will miss our conversations, I feel like we were more than just sister's in law. Jan will always be with those who's lives she touched. Fly high Jan, we will be looking for you.