Obituary: Janice Kay (Moen) Hancock

Janice Kay (Moen) Hancock

(May 27, 1950 - July 23, 2012 )

Janice Kay (Moen) Hancock, of Maple Grove, gently left this world surrounded by family and friends after a 17 month journey with pancreatic cancer. Jan was born May 27, 1950 in Minneapolis to Joseph and Martha Moen. She grew up in Columbia Heights, MN and graduated high school in 1968.

Jan attended the University of MN and graduated with a Nursing degree in 1972. She later went back to the U of MN for her Master’s degree in Nursing Education. She was the loving wife of Michael for 37 years, the best Mom to her boy’s Jay, Hopkins, MN, Sean and his wife Elizabeth, Maple Grove, MN and Kris, New Hope, MN and she was the loving Nanny to her granddaughters Abby and Elie. She finally had girls to play with.  Being a grandparent was one of her greatest joys in life.

Jan is also survived by her brothers Ronald Moen (Roberta), Larry Moen (Diane), her mother Martha Moen, her “oldest and dearest friend” Susan Durkin (Ron) and nieces and nephews.  Jan will be remembered dearly by “THE” ladies of card club-where cards are rarely played, the hockey moms’ and their annual trip and her beloved nursing department at North Hennepin Community College known as the “Fab Five”. She will be missed dearly at St. Joseph the Worker as an active parishioner and by many cherished friends.  She was preceded in death by her Father Joseph Moen, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Doyle and Rose Hancock.

Being a nurse to Jan was a calling, not a job. Jan’s first nursing job was at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN as a staff nurse then as a charge nurse. After she and Mike married they moved to Bismarck, ND where she taught nursing at the Bismarck Hospital School of Nursing.  In 1980 Mike, Jan, Jay and Sean moved to Maple Grove.  While her children were young Jan worked in the ER at Unity Hospital in Fridley, then as a clinic nurse manager for Allina.  Jan then assumed the role of trauma coordinator and was instrumental in implementing emergency policies still in effect at Mercy and Unity Hospitals. In 1993 she started “the best job she ever had” as a nursing instructor at North Hennepin Community College.  Her love of nursing education was evident to all.  During her time at NHCC she mentored many students and impacted the nursing community on so many levels. Instead of taking summers off Jan often worked hospice at North Memorial Hospital.   Jan retired this spring due to her illness.  At that time she was honored by the college as “Professor Emeritus” which filled her with such pride and joy.  

Our thanks to the many nurses and Doctors who took such good care of her.   Dr. Tim Larson at Minnesota oncology, Jan’s hero and his nurse Sarah.  Also, a big thanks to her surgeon Dr. McKenzie   and his nurse Jill.  Jan’s last request was “No tears” but a lots of smiles and laughter.

Interment Ft. Snelling. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.

VISITATION

Date: Monday , July 30 
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: The , 7180 Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove. Prayer service and happy remembrances at 7 p.m.

FUNERAL

Date: Tuesday , July 31 
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: The Church of St. Joseph the Worker, 7180 Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove. Visitation one hour prior to service.

Information provided by Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels.