Janet ("Jan") Eldridge

Janet (“Jan”) Eldridge, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and elementary school speech therapist, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 73 years old. Jan is survived by her husband, Chuck of Sarasota, FL, her son Troy of Miami Beach, FL, and daughter Paige of Lakewood Ranch, FL. She was predeceased by her parents, Lt. Col. Clyde Bloxsom, Merle (Ridgway) Bloxsom, and only sibling, Brenda Clark Jones. Jan Lyn Bloxsom was born on October 15, 1951, at Ft. Meade, MD to loving parents who instilled in her a passion for caring and helping others. She met the love of her life, Chuck, her husband of 51 years, at the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1974. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories from traveling the world. Hawaii was her all-time favorite! She enjoyed three years of her elementary school days while living on Hickham Air Force Base where her father was the Deputy Base Commander. One fond memory is being in Hawaii in 1959 when it officially became our 50th state. In the early 60’s, Jan’s father, Lt. Col Bloxsom, retired from the Air Force and the family relocated to Winter Park, FL. Jan finished elementary school, junior high and high school in Winter Park where Jan built phenomenal friendships. She was a highly accomplished cheerleader and graduated from Winter Park High School in 1969. Jan dedicated her life to helping children as an elementary school speech therapist for over 30 years. She did not begin teaching until her two children reached elementary school age. By doing so, the children received a phenomenal grounding and then off to school they all went every morning. She had a special gift for connecting with her students and helping them overcome their speech challenges. Jan's kindness, patience, and dedication touched the lives of countless children and their families. In addition to her successful teaching career, Jan was a devoted mother to her two children, Troy and Paige, and a loving grandmother to her five grandchildren – Lauren (22), Ava (19), Ryan (17), Chase (9) and Cole (7). Jan also leaves behind her beautiful daughter-in-law, Viktoria. She cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, and her family was the center of her world. But Jan loved being called ‘Mimi’ by her grandchildren and by her caregivers. The entire family adopted the “Mimi” moniker and naturally dispensed of her formal name. Mimi will be remembered for her warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and selflessness that will continue to inspire all who know her. Most know that Mimi was enthusiastic about exercise and a healthy diet. But few know that she read the Bible every night. Mimi found solace and companionship at Plymouth Harbor Memory Care and Smith Care starting in early 2021. Her presence brought joy to every caregiver and patient fortunate enough to know her. Known for her infectious happiness and ability to inspire others, Mimi will always be cherished for her vibrant pink outfits and her love for 60's music. Whenever the music started playing, she would light up the room with her unforgettable smile and shimmy, leaving an impression on everyone around her. Mimi’s memory will forever be cherished by her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. If she had the opportunity to speak her final words, they would have been, “I love you all, be happy, happy, happy.” In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Jan's/Mimi’s memory. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy of love and compassion lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Jan’s ashes will be interred in a burial plot near her parents at Winter Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life is expected to be held in early 2025.

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Janet ("Jan") Eldridge

October 15, 1951 - October 18, 2024