Janelle Madrene Douglas

Janelle Madrene Douglas of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, passed away suddenly on September 19, 2025, at the age of 76, with her son by her side. Janelle, known as Jan, was the first daughter born on October 26, 1948, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Sidney Douglas and Adeline (Lindgren). Mary Jo Douglas (Zumberge) followed two years later. Raised during the American Bandstand era, dancing and music were two early loves. She also enjoyed spending time at Loring Park watching Sidney skate during the winter, going bowling, walking the family dog, Lady, and spending time with friends through her time at West High School. Jan, ever the extrovert, held a career in cosmetology as a receptionist for several years in the 1970s and pivoted to the education world as a paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary in the 1980s. Jan's personality led her to become a socialite in Minneapolis, where she shared stories of attending events and parties with local business leaders and athletes. Jan's love of music brought her to historic events such as a breakout performance by Janis Joplin at the Armory. In 1982, she welcomed her only child, Jason Michael Douglas, to the world, who became her focus, pride, and joy. Jan's new title of Mom became her proudest accomplishment. Jan endured health issues in 1997, being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. After declining an experimental treatment, her fortitude, paired with the standard, proven treatments, defeated the cancer, which never returned in her remaining 28 years. Janelle: 1, Cancer: 0. Jan took pride in helping Jason graduate from high school and become the first in their family to complete college, all while managing her responsibilities as a single mother. Jan was a supporter of public television, breast cancer research, and many other organizations throughout her life. Jan was promoted from Mom to 'Grammy Jan' when Jason met his future wife, Lacey, who brought Calli, the Puggle, to the family, and then adopted Tyson Bentley Douglas, the Pug (middle name given by Jan). An additional promotion was given to Grammy Jan when Jason and Lacey Meyer-Douglas, welcomed Sophia Sydney Douglas (middle name inspired by Jan's father, Sidney) on September 19, 2022. Sophia gave Grammy Jan an extra shot of energy and purpose for her remaining years. Jan was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Jack, and Ethel Dulgas (1975), maternal grandparents Jacob (1947) and Louisa (1919), parents Sidney (1970) and Adeline (1974), and beloved Dogs Lady (1971), Calli (2018), Tyson (2019), and Bailey (2025). Jan is survived by her son, Jason (Lacey), and her granddaughter, Sophia. Jan's celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 2 PM with visitation starting at 1 PM at Washburn-McReavy Crystal Lake Chapel, 3816 Penn Ave. N.. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to support the future education of Sophia Sydney Douglas, a cause close to Grammy Jan's heart, at https://www.ugift529.com/, code Y2M-X8S. Janelle, Jan, Mom, Grammy, regardless of the name, you were the best at them all. You lived your life on your own terms, and your intuition was second to none. You were loved and respected by so many and will be sorely missed. Your legacy will continue through all who interacted with and knew you.

Tributes

Janelle Madrene Douglas

October 26, 1948 - September 19, 2025

Tributes

Janelle Madrene Douglas

October 26, 1948 - September 19, 2025

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