Janice C. Reed (Jan), age 97, a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, died February 24, 2024 after a brief illness.  Born in Chicago on September 24, 1926, Jan was the beloved daughter of Philip and Mabel (Rune) Carlson. She spent her formative years on Ingleside Avenue in Chicago and attended Hirsch High School.

Jan graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, in 1949. That same year, she married her college sweetheart, Frank S. Reed, a United Airlines pilot, with whom she shared 53 wedded years. Together, they raised three daughters in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.

Throughout her life, Jan was deeply involved in community organizations. She was a charter member of the Glen Ellyn Garden Club – the Violets – and served as President of the Wheaton Garden Club. She dedicated over 20 years to the Central DuPage Hospital Auxiliary, where her greatest joy was working on the Christmas House Walks. She also modeled in the Auxillary's fashion shows and worked in the gift shop.

Jan was a 50+ year member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton, where she was long active in the Faith Circle and the Altar Guild, embodying her commitment to the church.

In addition to her community involvement, Jan had a passion for sports. She was an avid tennis player and later became a dedicated golfer, known for her persistence and competitive spirit. Her summers were spent at the family cottage on Portage Lake (Onekama, Michigan), where she was also active in the Portage Lake Garden Club.

After Frank's retirement, Jan and Frank traveled extensively, ultimately visiting all continents except Antarctica, but their favorite destination was always Maui, where they spent each winter reconnecting with longtime UAL friends and creating lasting memories.

Jan was a true friend to many and active in many social groups, including a college potluck group, a Glen Ellyn neighborhood potluck group, a dance club with Wheaton couples, bridge groups, a widows' dinner group at Wyndemere Senior Living community (where she lived from 2007 until her passing) and her beloved Portage Lake friends, who shared her passion for golf, tennis, boating and picnicking on Lake Michigan.

Her warmth, humor and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughters Carolyn Reed Rykse (Gregory),Cathy Reed Zirbel (the late Peter R.), and Karen Reed; her grandchildren Rachel Rykse Williams (R. Christopher), Phillip and Daniel Rykse, Jackson and Connor Zirbel; and her great-granddaughter, Hazel Williams. She was preceded in death by her husband and her son-in-law.

Services will be private.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 S Wheaton Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187, or Portage Lake Watershed Forever ( https://www.portagelakewatershed.com/ ).

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.