Janice Melvin Harrison

Janice Melvin Harrison, 71, won the quilter’s dream contest – dying with the most pieces of fabric. She died from complications caused by early onset dementia on May 9, 2017, in her home surrounded by family.

Jan was born in 1946 in Portland, Ore., and attended Oregon State University, graduating with a B.S. and an M.S. in food science. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and Mortar Board. It was at Oregon State that she met her husband of 49 years, Michael Harrison. Jan is survived by her husband and sons Jeff and Tony Harrison.

Jan and Mike were married in 1968 and she followed him in his U.S. Air Force career as a pilot. All during his assignments, Jan was active in military charities and pursued her passion for crafting. It was natural that when Mike left the Air Force after 10 years, Jan opened a successful crafts business in 1981 in Burke, Va., called Glass & Calico. Opening First Impressions, a gift store, followed.

In 2004 Jan retired and moved to Lake Monticello. She loved the Lake, but more importantly, all her new friends. She never missed an opportunity to go out to lunch with “the girls” and was active in several groups, including the Red Hat Ladies, known as the Hats in the Belfry.

Jan decided early that she wanted to be an organ donor to help others. If her organs could not be used, she wanted to be a whole body donor for scientific research. She was registered with the Virginia Anatomical Society that collects and distributes donors to medical and scientific research institutions.

She requested no service or memorials and wanted to encourage others to consider donation. The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Piedmont and Home Instead for their loving care.