Janice M. "Jan" Sterling

1946 - 06

Janice "Jan" M. Sterling

June 26, 1946 - October 19, 2021

Janice M. Sterling, age 75, passed away October 19, 2021 at home with her loving children by her side. A longtime resident of Toledo, she was born June 26, 1946 to James and Frances (Cox) Nelson.

Jan graduated from Woodward High School, Class of '64. She quickly entered the workforce, but a desire to climb the corporate ladder led to furthering her education with business degrees later in life. Jan had a long career at Pilkington (LOF) here in Toledo, and retired as their HR Manager in 2004.

Jan was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years, Gerry Sterling. She was also previously widowed by Howard "Mickey" Thompson as a young woman. Jan cherished time spent with her grandchildren, and vacations where her family would all gather together at the beach. Jan could certainly be called a social butterfly as she had engagements many days of the week. She became a fixture at the local Elks Lodge. She enjoyed playing golf, doing puzzles, beating you at games, and having driveway parties with her neighbors. She definitely knew her way around a blackjack table.

In recent years, Jan welcomed a new furry addition to her life. A Yorkie-Poo named Abby loved to curl up like a parrot on her shoulder while she read the paper.

Jan got a lot of joy out of gardening and loved relaxing on her deck, admiring her planted handiwork as she basked in the warm sun. After she retired, Jan discovered a true talent for crafting. She began creating imaginative wreaths for pretty much any and every occasion you could ask for. Her crafty creations also included jewelry, embroidery, cozies, and various inspirations she would come up with (often in the middle of the night). She used her talents to make lap blankets that were given to military veterans as part of the Honor Flight program, sympathetic to the cause having found herself a young widow after her first husband tragically lost his life in Vietnam.

Jan will be remembered by all who knew her for her kindness, generosity, and a healthy amount of playful sassiness. She was admired for her determination, strength, and resilience when she experienced the many challenges life brought her. Our hearts will forever be warmed by the love she gave to each of us and the peace in knowing she is at rest.

Jan is survived by her daughter, Michele (Scott) May of Dublin, OH; son, Dustin Sterling of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Malori and Trevor May; and so very many other dear family, friends, and neighbors.

The family will receive guests Monday, October 25, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. (7 p.m. Elks Ceremony) at Newcomer Funeral Home, West Sylvania Chapel, 3655 King Road (419-392-9500). Funeral Services will begin Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. There will be a private Graveside Service at Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania at a later date.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider donating in Jan's name to the Elks Lodge #53, 3520 N Holland-Sylvania Road, Toledo, OH 43615 (419-841-6653) in support of local veterans and charity organizations.

To leave a special message for Jan's family, please visit

www.NewcomerToledo.com