This is a reproduction of Jan’s Story, found on the Bangor Daily News.
SOMESVILLE, ME – Jan Davis Marshall of Somesville, ME died on September 6, 2016 , leaving her wide network of family, friends and the genetics research community at Jackson Laboratory stunned by her passing. Her dynamic life began in western New York on February 17, 1948 and was packed full of extraordinary energy and accomplishments. She was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Betty (Walker) Davis of Williamsville, New York and Somesville, Maine.
She is survived by her husband and soul-mate Robert P. Marshall, beloved daughter Erin (Richard) Cyr, her grand-daughters Madison and Lily of Carver, MA., and sister Susan (Paul) Belanger of Madison OH. Many others, including a legion of Deck House Players considered her to be friend, sister or mother. All will remember her passion for life, her love of great food and wine, and the joy she found in sailing the waters of Mt. Desert Island with her precious grandchildren.
Jan graduated from Williamsville High School and from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York before moving to Mt. Desert Island with Rob in 1970 to start her career as a Research Assistant at the Jackson Laboratory and was a Senior Professional Assistant and Genetics Coordinator for Alström Syndrome Studies at the time of her death.
During her 46-year career at Jackson Laboratory she contributed to many genetics research projects as a valued team member. It was her research on Alström Syndrome, a rare and very serious inherited disease, that captured her passion and became her most important legacy, making a huge difference in the lives of Alström patients and families around the world.
Jan located and worked with families of children afflicted with Alström, leading to continued research which allowed the discovery of the disease gene. She developed a deep and personal commitment to help Alström children and their families. In 1998, she and Rob founded Alström Syndrome International (ASI), a charitable foundation dedicated to treating and curing the disease. She authored numerous scientific articles and The Alström Syndrome Handbook which have greatly increased the worldwide understanding of this disease. A colleague said it well: “Jan’s spirit is in her life’s work and will forever stay with us”. She was Chair of the ASI Scientific Advisory Board.
Her legacy survives in the hundreds of families in 58 countries that now have been helped by ASI and the continuing research on the disease. She has touched many lives and remains an inspiration to all who knew her. Her lifetime awards include the Galileo Galilei Surgical Theater Medal for Scientific Achievement by the University of Padua, Italy (2003) and the Williamsville Education Foundation Wall of Fame Award for Distinguished Service to Science (2008).
A tribute to her life will be held in the outdoor amphitheater at Camp Beech Cliff, Beech Hill Rd, Mt. Desert on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 4 pm (moving indoors if weather demands). Casual and comfortable clothing is appropriate.
Tax deductible memorial contributions in Jan’s honor may be sent to Alström Syndrome International, 14 Whitney Farm Road, Mt. Desert ME 04660 in support of this family-focused non-profit organization. (www.alstrom.org)
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Published in Bangor Daily News
Services by
Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes
