Janette Jacqueline Elizabeth Mellors, 73, passed away on November 5, 2021. The daughter of the late William Alfred Licence and Erika Charlotte Licence, she was born in Peine, Germany. In 1970, she proudly became an American citizen. She was preceded in death by her daughter Erica Mellors. She was survived by her spouse, David Mellors; her daughter, Sarah Husch; her son, Ian Mann; and her grandchild, Fiona Husch.

Jan, as she preferred to be known, worked civil service for most of her adult life. She was a telephone switchboard operator at Langley AFB, Hampton for many years before switching to an administrative assistant. No matter where she worked, she “adopted” young airmen and gave them love and support when they were separated from their families. There was never a holiday meal that didn’t have several Air Force men or women at the table, celebrating with us.

One of her greatest joys was donning the role of Mrs. Claus for the squadron Christmas party each year. She was beloved by parents and children alike. As Mrs. Claus, she and her family would also prepare home-made cookies and candy and distribute them to local police stations and fire stations.

Jan was an avid reader for her entire life and instilled that love in her children. She was never far from a book and read across many genres. Her mother taught her to knit and over the years she made sweaters, stuffed animals, shawls and blankets for family and friends.

She will be deeply missed, but her memories will live on with her family.

There will be a private, family only service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185. www.heritagehumanesociety.com