Class: 1970
Major: Sociology
Residence: Evansville, IN
Deceased: September 8, 2014
Alumni survivors: Shan W. Steinmark, Ph.D. ’70 (Former Spouse), Mr. Eric M. Steinmark ’01 (Child)
Jan Steinmark, Evansville, Ind., on September 8th the world became a duller place as Jan Steinmark passed on to her next great adventure. Jan was born in Evansville, Indiana, and raised in Mt Carmel, Illinois. After her fathers’ passing, she was adopted by her stepfather whom she adored. During her early adulthood, Jan lived in many places—sharing her enthusiasm for life with all she met. After her son, Eric, was born, she returned to Evansville to raise him. Jan’s infectious love for life touched many people and took her on many adventures. During her life Jan graduated from Carleton College, biked across Iowa twice, earned her black belt in Tae Kwan Do at age 30, taught special education for EVSC, raised her son into a fine young man, was a member of EGA, stitched home dedication samplers for Habitat families, loved to attend mystery conventions and counted many authors in her list of friends, was a longtime supporter of Public Library Friends, worked for the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library for 14 years — starting at East Branch before transferring to Central Library’s READ Center. She retired on July 28, 2014, from her position as Youth Services Assistant. Jan loved helping teachers find ‘just the right book’ to supplement their curriculum. She was an active member of the Evansville Unitarian Universalist Church before leaving to become a founding member of Kaleidoscope Church.
Eleven and a half years ago, Jan met her soul mate and the world become even better and brighter for her. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her partner, Susan Thomas; her son, Eric Steinmark and his partner , Tim Harrison; Susan’s children, Thom Haberer, Brian Haberer and Kirsten Haberer; her brothers, Robert Davidson and his wife, Jil; Tom Davidson and his wife, Joyce; a niece, Becky Davidson (Randy) and their children, Brandon and Luke; goddaughter, Kathryn Heil-Rawlings. She also leaves her cats, Bandit and Bubba; and a multitude of loving friends and extended family members. Jan was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Davidson Lowenstein; father, Dr. William Donald Davidson; and stepfather, Dr. Ernest Lowenstein. A celebration of Life was held October 3, 2014, in Browning Room at Central Library (200 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Evansville IN). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evansville African American Museum and Charlier Hospice Center. Interment will be in the Gulf of Florida where Jan’s ashes will be incorporated into an Eternal Reef. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Meade Boone Funeral Home East Chapel-A Family Tradition Funeral Home – 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville handled the arrangements.
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