Jan Doiron

It is with great sorrow that we must announce to friends and family that our courageous and beloved mother, Jan Louise Doiron (nee Smith, formerly Soto), 65 of Chicago, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Although still very much tenacious in spirit, recent infection and illness proved too much for a body that had been through a thirteen year long, arduous fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease). Jan was born on May 23, 1958 to parents William Robert and Patricia Ann Smith (predeceased). After attending Gray Elementary School and Foreman High School, where she met her first husband, she went on to study as a medical technician at Triton College. She devoted herself to her career for over 30 years, most of which was at one hospital and generated her lasting friendships. Jan had an appreciation for working with her hands that extended beyond her profession and into more creative ventures. She was famously known for using various art mediums to create crafts, baking tender love into cookies and meticulously icing whimsy onto cakes. Near the time of her ALS diagnosis, our mother had been most excited about quilting. As previously highlighted, it is obvious to see that Jan was a giver and she rejoiced most in doing so for her friends and family. She adored her parents and grandparents and always talked of her siblings and their respective families. Jan had three children who she doted on and bragged about endlessly. She married her second husband in 2006 who shared her affection for nature and with whom her fondness for motorcycles flourished. The brightest spot for her in most recent years was her smart, sweet and sassy grandson whom she was able to spend her days with since his birth. Jan was diagnosed with ALS in 2010 and even as it became a large part of her life and robbed her of her independence, she never lost her smarts, spunk or stubbornness. She was determined to combat her disease and impact as many people as she could in the time she had left. Jan continuously showed a limitless amount of grace in spite of a hideous condition. Jan was preceded in death by both her grandparents; parents: William and Patricia Smith, with whom she had a close relationship. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her husband James Doiron; her children Nicole (Nathan) Quillen, Teresa Soto and Daniel Soto; grandson, Smith Quillen; brothers: James (Laura) Smith and Lawrence (Rachel) Smith; sister Lynn (James Patrick) Sullivan; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. It was Jan’s wish that immediate memorial services be private and extended family and friends join us in a celebration of her life at the 2023 ALS Walk for Life on Saturday, September 23rd at Chicago’s Soldier Field. In lieu of flowers, Jan and our family request that donations be made directly to our team page for this year’s walk at: https://events.lesturnerals.org/site/TR/Events/General?team_id=6957&pg=team&fr_id=1520

Jan Doiron

May 23, 1958 - June 4, 2023