Jeanette "Jan" Elizabeth (Stirling) Zych

Jeanette (Jan) Elizabeth Stirling Zych, 90, of East Longmeadow, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. She was born at home in Atglen, PA to the late James Mansel and Sarah Jeanette Brown Stirling.

Jan worked for five years in Washington, DC as a secretary for an Admiral at the Naval Annex. She met her husband Joe in D.C. where he was a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They married in a military ceremony and returned to Joe’s hometown of Ludlow to settle down and begin a family, eventually residing in East Longmeadow where they raised five daughters.

Jan worked for Lederer’s Bakery and J.C. Penny in the shoe department where she was acknowledged as salesperson of the month many times; and was employed as a home health aide for Gentiva before retirement.

Jan loved to travel to the Berkshires, Vermont, Maine, Cape Cod and Mystic, CT, relaxing on Stonington Point and to PA to see her extended family.

She especially enjoyed family outings: camping, long car rides just because, Smith College Spring and Fall flower shows, The Hadley Sugar Shack breakfasts, Mystic Aquarium and dining out.

She is predeceased by her husband of 29 years Jospeh |K. Zych Jr., her siblings Lois Stirling Rubincam (Harold (Ruby)), James Stirling II (Shirley), Thomas Stirling and Larry Stirling, sister-in-law Barbara Zych Allen and son-in-law John Camerota. She leaves her sisters-in-law Betty Lou Stirling, Parkesburg, PA, Judy Stirling, PA, brother-in-law Donald Allen, Centreville, VA as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews and their children. She leaves her good friends Elaine Camerota and her daughter Judy Camerota.

Affectionately known as “Tootie” to her PA relatives and “Bubba” to her grandchildren, Jan is survived by her daughters Sherryl Ruel (Gary) of Ludlow, Karin Zych of East Longmeadow, Laurie Grassette (Steven) of Enfield, CT, Monya Duvall of East Longmeadow and Tanya Camerota of Granby. She also leaves her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jeremy Ruel (Tracey) and children MacKenzie, Ryan and Hadley of Orlando, FL; Tristan Ruel (Jeanie) and Baby Boy Ruel due at the end of January of Essex Junction, VT, and Jarrod and Emma Duvall of East Longmeadow.

Private internment will take place at the discretion of the family. Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.