Janet Hardie Lopes

Jan Lopes passed away at home comforted by her husband, Joe Lopes, and her family. She had been devoted to her family, her students, her friends, and her community throughout her active life until finally losing a hard fought battle with cancer.
Jan was born in Modesto, California to Ian and Billie Hardie, attended Downey High School, met and married Joe while teaching at Davis High School, and taught at LaLoma Jr. High School after raising her family on a small farm on Shoemake Road. She and Joe built their retirement home overlooking the ocean in Shelter Cove, California and became beloved members of that community. Jan volunteered at the lighthouse, became an active member of Shelter Cove Pioneers, became CERT qualified so she could assist others in emergencies, and helped organize and coordinate community projects. She always welcomed family, friends, and visitors into her home where she and Joe provided food and friendship, drinks and stories, counsel and.laughter. Jan was always ready with a listening ear and a giving heart as she reached out those around her. Her good humor and ready smile were always welcomed.
Jan loved her flowers, her bountiful garden, reading, traveling, sewing, walking with her friends, and delivering homemade treats to neighbors. Her pies were a local treasure. She cherished a good laugh, a kind gesture, and a generous heart and tried each day to serve those around her. She honored her God through her strong and pure spirit and recognized His work in the beauty of the world around her.
Jan is survived by her husband of 47 years, Joe Lopes, son Kevin Lopes (Wendy), daughters Jolene Thinnes (Coley), Kathy Creekmore (Don), Kim Pierce, and Teresa Lopes. She leaves six grandchildren: Ethan Lopes; Don and Darrell Creekmore; Kayla, Ashley, and Tristan Pierce, plus four great grandchildren. She is also mourned by her brother, Ian Hardie (Sue) and sister, Judie Hardie, four nieces and nephews, innumerable friends and one cat.
Memorial services are scheduled for March 15, 2014 at the Sylvan Clubhouse in Modesto at 2 pm and also for March 23, 2014 in the Shelter Cove Community Club House at 5 pm. Jan may be honored by donations to the Jack and Buena Foundation, PO Box 3290, Modesto, CA 95353 which supports Camp Jack Hazard in Stanislaus County.

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