Jan K. Blatchford

Jan Karel Blatchford “JKB” completed her life’s journey on February 20, 2026 after years of living with Parkinson’s disease. Jan was surrounded by love, family and friendship throughout her life. This was also evident in her final days at the Denver Hospice Care Center. Jan was born in Hastings, Nebraska to Dilworth and Leola Blatchford. She is survived by Annette Fante her life partner of 38 years, sisters Debra (Tim) Flynn and Lynita “Mimi” Haber and an incredible circle of friends, family and caregivers. 

Jan attended grade school and high school in Columbus, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1977 with a major in Vocal Music and Education. Upon graduating, she moved to Denver, Colorado and began teaching in Westminster, Adams County 50. She taught at both the elementary and middle school levels, beginning at Harris Park Elementary. She met Annette at Scott Carpenter Middle School. Throughout her 30 year career in teaching, she impacted the lives of countless young people and established life-long relationships with several of her students and their families. Jan was a no nonsense teacher, but one with passion, compassion, respect and empathy. Jan took her responsibilities as a teacher seriously and with the upmost professionalism. The vocal performances of her students were always outstanding and so incredibly memorable. To this day, memories of middle school students singing medleys of Broadway tunes in homemade masks for Phantom of the Opera or body painted tattoos for South Pacific still light up smiles. 

It was evident when you met Jan that she had many and varied interests. Of course, she loved musical theater and spent many of her hard earned teaching salary traveling to New York City. Her list of musicals and plays, too many to count. New York City also gave her the French 75 cocktail and many opportunities to spend time with nephew Ryan and his family. Jan also loved to ski, golf, cook, and travel. In addition, she had an undying spirit of support for her beloved Cornhuskers. So much so, that her walker and wheelchairs had to be custom crafted in red and were fondly named “Big Red.” 

Jan’s love of skiing was developed by her Dad. In fact, all of Jan’s outdoor loves link back to him. The Blatchfords loved to travel from Nebraska to Colorado to enjoy days in the mountains. There were many memorable stories of braving harrowing snow storms just to get to the mountains. The family and Jan had a fondness for Vail and spent many memorable days skiing and enjoying the Vail Village and all it had to offer. In addition to skiing, Jan enjoyed golfing and eventually joined the Aurora Hills Ladies 9 Hole League. She made sure there was always at least one summer trip to Vail to golf Eagle Vail and other area courses and to attend at least one Bravo Vail concert performance. 

When it came to adventure and travel, Jan particularly loved going to France and Italy. Most likely, France’s flaky croissants and Italy’s Tiramisu brought her back to both places several times. When not traveling in Europe, you could find Jan basking in the sun either in the Caribbean with Saint Marten and Aruba among the highlights or in Palm Springs with her longtime friend Jack. 

Jan loved to cook and to be honest, she loved a fine meal at a fine restaurant. Growing up in Nebraska, the basics included meat and potatoes. Not just any kind of meat or potatoes. The meat needed to be prime, and the potatoes mashed and absolutely with brown gravy-never white gravy. Her love of cooking resulted in many bookshelves full of every kind of cookbook but especially those by the Barefoot Contessa. You could count on a good meal if Jan was involved. 

Jan spent 38 years with her life partner, Annette. Together, they made sure that their home was always a welcoming place. Fillmore Street and the “Compound” were known to be gathering places for good food, lots of laughter, games and many adult beverages. While Jan introduced Annette to all things New York City, Annette made Jan into a lover of water and international travel. Jan and Annette’s commitment withstood the test of time and was filled with friendship, love, and mutual support throughout their many challenges and joys during their 38-year union. 

A Celebration of Life for Jan is being planned for Saturday, June 6, 2026, prior to the 2026 Parkinson’s Vitality Walk fund raiser on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Washington Park. Annette and family want to invite everyone to join them for both the celebration and "Team JKB" Vitality Walk for Parkinson's.  Details to be shared closer to the events.