Janice Blakeley

Janice D. Blakeley, 81, of Alexandria, VA passed away in her home on March 14, 2024. Jan was born in Scotland and later moved to England where she grew up in the quiet little village of Beechingstoke alongside her brother, Terry. After finishing school and trying office work, she decided to train to become a registered nurse and attended nursing school at the Royal United Hospital in nearby Bath.  After graduating, she moved to London where she worked at the Royal Infirmary. Jan returned to Royal United Hospital as a Ward Sister. It was here that she met her future husband, Donald F. Blakeley, a Philadelphian serving in the US Air Force who was stationed in England at the time. 

After marrying in Devizes on May 27, 1972, Jan and Don moved to the US where they worked in Albuquerque, NM.  Jan and Don spent several years in Ithaca, NY.  They then moved to, Landover, MD, where Jan worked for the Little Sisters of the Poor.  Jan’s final working years were spent consulting for nursing homes for compliance with government regulations.  Jan and Don moved to a condo in Alexandria, VA in 2000 where they thrived in the Montebello community.

Married for 51 years, Jan and Don were completely devoted to one another. Their sense of humor carried their marriage through a half century. Don was often tempted to tease Jan, lovingly, which she would typically rebuke with a playful “Oi!” They travelled near and far in their camper and on Caribbean cruises, visiting family in New England. They also spent long holidays during summer months in the U.K, mostly staying at Beechingstoke with Jan’s mother, Nancy Wootton. Jan was an excellent hostess, and frequently had guests to her home for barbeques, dinners, and holiday celebrations. Most memorable were her roast potatoes and candied sweet potatoes.

Known as "Auntie Jan" to many, she always had a knack for making young children, adolescents, and adults feel special and loved. Whether she was sending birthday cards or just calling to check in, she was generous with words of praise and wise advice for approaching life's challenges. Jan loved a good debate, always ready with a quip to make her opponent giggle. She was an enthusiastic adherent to the correct use of the English language and nothing provoked her more than a mispronunciation or incorrect use of a word. Nonetheless, her charm and warmth were infectious.

Jan was an animal lover with special affection for cats. Her beloved Brandy, a fine tabby, was her last cat. Almost as close to her heart were three rambunctious dogs: Abby, Holly and Jennie. She regularly donated to animal welfare societies.

Jan always loved to read and knit. Mysteries were her favorite reading material, the more hair-raising suspense and surprise, the better. Beloved by the Montebello "Naughty Knitters" group in Alexandria, she was known for her elegant knits, clever patterns and witty jokes that so often resulted in rolling laughter from all around. She collected teddy bears and had numerous adorable knit sweaters for each one, bringing warmth and sweetness to her home decor.  Many of the items she knitted were donated to charities such as children of Chernobyl and local hospitals.

Jan is survived by her nieces Carol Wootton, Jessica Wootton, and nephew Tom Wootton. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Blakeley, father Thomas “Alan” Wootton, brother Terry Wootton, and mother Agnes “Nancy” Wootton.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.