Janice Marie Ingersoll passed away on October 31, 2020, after twice battling cancer. She was 86. Jan was born in Elkhart, Indiana and grew up in Ilion, NY. After graduating from Ilion High School in 1951, she worked in Ilion until Jan and her girlfriends decided to join the Navy during the Korean conflict. (She did not know how to swim)
Jan was stationed in Washington at the Pentagon where she assisted an Admiral who was blind in the operation of his office. She was transferred to the White House Social Office during the second term of President Eisenhower's administration. (**Anecdotal: Jan was flitting around placing names for seating arrangements for a social event. President Eisenhower and an aide came into the room and observed her for a time. Jan was busy doing her job and couldn't stop to acknowledge the President, who turned to his aide and asked "Who is that little girl?")
Jan worked at the White House until her early retirement during the first term of President Reagan. She very much valued and enjoyed her time at the White House and the seven Presidents and First Ladies with whom she worked. And sometimes Jan was asked to substitute for a First Lady for the rehearsals.
In retirement, Jan spent most of her time relaxing in Rehoboth Beach, DE with her beloved pooches and kitties she adored.
Jan is survived by her niece and four nephews. **From Nephew John, "Jannie was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and great aunt and my friend."
Jan will be laid to rest with her family next summer at the Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion.
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