Janice "Jan" (Nancarrow) Burt

Janice "Jan" Burt, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of
the large family she created. Born on August 25, 1947, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jan was the
kind of person who made everyone around her feel deeply loved — just for being themselves.
She lived a life centered around her family, faith, creativity, kindness, hummingbirds, and
critters. 

Jan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Donald L. Burt Jr. Together, they built something
truly special — successfully blending two families into one close, loving (and sometimes
wonderfully crazy) family of nine children. “Step” was never a word in Jan’s vocabulary. The
Burt home was always full of love, and that was very much Jan's doing. 

She was a devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children: David
(Kathy), Darryl, Jimelle, Michael (Tami), Mark, Dawn (David), Debbie (Mike), Jen (Mike), Joy,
and Frank (Carol); her 20 grandchildren: Jonathan, James, Katelyn, Kylie, Kristopher, Jordan,
Michael, Mackenzie, Alyssa, Dani, Aaron, Ethan, Brittany, Andrew, Sara, Jessica, Janese, Oliva,
Jacob, and Dylan; her 17 great-grandchildren: Gianna, Ava, Harrison, Vivienne, Emily, Eliza,
Cash, Oakly, Presley, Gabrielle, Cameron, Lexi, Emma, Drake, Gage, Jaedan, and Jordyn; and,
her beloved sisters Marilyn (Jim) and Kitty (Daryl). She was preceded in death by her son,
Donnie L. Burt; her parents, Farris Nancarrow and Fran Bartlett; and her siblings, Judy and Joe.

For many years, families across Northeast Ohio made their way to Jan's home studio to be
photographed by Jan Burt Photography. Her signature white background and bare feet became
something people recognized immediately. But what people remember most was not just the
photographs themselves — it was the warmth, patience, care (and gumball machine for extra
smiles) she brought to every family who walked through her door. 

She was also deeply creative — and she instilled that trait in all her children and grandchildren.
She loved crochet, and her knitting machine turned out handmade gifts for the people she loved
(she took joy in teaching others to use it too). She loved new technology and was always current
on the latest iPhone and tech gadgets.

At home, Jan was happiest. She loved nature, birds, iced tea, and the peaceful world she'd built
around herself. If you spent any time with her, you heard a story or two about the hummingbirds
she adored.  

Jan didn't just love her family. She had a way of making whoever was in the room feel like
family. She leaves behind more than photographs and handmade treasures. She leaves behind a
legacy of people who are better and more loved because she was in their lives.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Summa Hospice, especially Brenda,
for the loving care, compassion, and support shown to Jan and her family over the last year. 

Cremation has taken place. A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date to honor
her memory. 

Her love, creativity, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

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