With profound sorrow and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Janice Belle Doran, age 88, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Janice entered the world on October 3, 1937, in San Francisco, California, born to Taskar and Virginia (Russell) Eason, and she departed it on January 6, 2026 surrounded by a legacy of faith, service, and love that touched generations.
Janice was a devoted child of God and a faithful servant whose life reflected her unwavering belief in living with purpose. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, resting in the presence of her Heavenly Father, joyfully reunited with her beloved daughter Sally and the great love of her life, Tom. One can only imagine Tom faithfully waiting for her, passing the time with Jeopardy!, “new” episodes of the Golden Girls, and a steady supply of Marie Callender’s pot pies, until his favorite cook and lifelong partner returned home.
Guided by her Tonopah High School motto, “If you rest, you rust,” Janice lived with remarkable energy and determination. She possessed an insatiable curiosity, a fierce work ethic, and an open heart for anyone in need. There was no challenge too great and no person undeserving of her help. Janice was a true renaissance woman, an exceptional baker, a skilled seamstress, an auto mechanic, a construction dabbler, and even a part-time arborist. Her phone was always nearby, just in case someone needed her, and she never hesitated to answer the call. She loved adventure, cherished long road trips regardless of distance, and famously declined senior discounts, proof that she never slowed down or saw herself as anything less than capable.
Janice was raised in the historic mining town of Tonopah, Nevada, a place she held close to her heart throughout her life. Her knowledge of its history was unmatched, and her pride in her roots never faded. She was affectionately known as the “Queen of Tonopah,” a title once held by her mother before her.
A resident of Colorado Springs for 64 years, Janice devoted herself wholeheartedly to her community. Her impact across El Paso County was extraordinary. Widely known and deeply respected, she served on countless city and county committees and championed causes that protected both people and history. She began her advocacy work on North Cascade Avenue, helping preserve a historic bridge, and later played a critical role in saving the Mill Street historic district from demolition. Janice served as President of the Council of Neighborhood Organizations (CONO), led her homeowners association, supported the El Paso County Fair Committee, and was a driving force behind the PPRTA Road and Infrastructure initiative.
In recognition of her tireless dedication, the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed October 12, 2016, as “Jan Doran Day.” She lived fully by the words she cherished most: God, Family, and Community-always in that order. In 2014, her civic leadership was further honored when she received the Making Democracy Work Award from the League of Women Voters.
Beyond her service, Janice was full of joy and passion. She was a devoted Denver Broncos fan, something her neighbors never missed on game days. She loved the Colorado Rockies, and in recent years enthusiastically followed the Nuggets and Avalanche.
Janice’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings, and the countless lives she touched through kindness, advocacy, and unwavering faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband Tom Doran; daughter Sally Doran; father Taskar (Julia) Eason; mother Virginia Russell; grandparents Alvin & Florence (Moore) Russell; grandparents Andrew & Winifred (Marsh) Eason.
She is survived by her loving children: Russell (Linda) Doran, Diana (John) Szczech, Dave (Tracy) Doran, Tom (Laura) Doran; her cherished grandchildren: Rachelle (Jev) Forsberg, Matthew (Jessica) Doran, Austin Doran, Brittany (Jaziel) Nunez, Stephanie (Ryan) Thomas, Benjamin (Jessica) Doran, Ashley (Kris) Mosley, Jonathon Doran, Tasker Doran, Jackson Doran, Addyson Doran; her adored great-grandchildren: Arden Forsberg, Maggie Forsberg, Josephine Forsberg, Apollo Doran, Savannah Mosley, Ainsley Mosley, and Grayson Doran; and her siblings: Mary (Steve) Bayne, John (Mary) Eason, Maggie (Mark) Zane.
A private service will be held with family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, honoring Janice’s lifelong commitment to preserving history and community.
I have had Jan on my heart these past few weeks and reached out via email in late December. Tom and Jan were like a second set of parents to Mike and I when we moved to Colorado Springs and Mike worked for Tom at GE Aerospace. Jan immediately took me under her wing and showed me all the ropes of being a corporate wife. I absolutely adored her and Tom. I still treasure the handmade book she gave to us when we left Colorado. We returned twice to stay with them with our infant son MJ. And we laid claim to the most comfortable king sized guest bed. Dinners at Mission Bell Inn in Manitou. Trips to Pankrantz Pottery. And a trip to Old Colorado City consignment shop where she and I found an evening gown for a work gala that 35 years later remains in my closet. They were both wonderful friends and mentors and while years and distance may have separated us, Tom and Jan have always remained in our hearts. We treasures them. Our deepest and most sincere condolences.
Words cannot express the gratitude and love for Jan and the tireless volunteer dedication she showed to every community cause she championed. She was so well respected by all who knew her and was a longtime voice for neighborhoods. Always providing thoughtful and well-reasoned advocacy, Jan was able to bring people together on issues of differing points of view. I am grateful to have known her and been a part of her life. Jan, while your presence here on earth will be missed, your faith will now carry you to heaven as you join Tom in everlasting life.
Jan Doran will always be “Mrs. Doran” to my family and me. What a fantastic example of a person who loved their community and jumped in whenever and wherever needed. You will be missed Mrs. Doran, but no doubt you are heading up some organization in heaven. P.S. Sorry for mowing your lawn with my car. That cul-de-sac was tricky!❤️
A true citizen advocate for a better, more inclusive Colorado Springs. I so admired her dedication. Listening to her at. Its Council meetings was watching a pro at work. She made our community’s neighborhoods a better place.
Jan Doran worked tirelessly to make Colorado Springs a great community. Her dedication to CONO, various city and county committees made so many positive changes for our citizens. It was an honor to work with her on getting the Class A fire ordinance for residential roofing products passed in 2002. Jan became a friend, great customer and she will be dearly missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Jan was a force of nature! I loved working with her over the years and will miss having her in the community. On behalf of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, I’m so appreciative that the family chose to have memorial gifts come to us. We will do our best to uphold Jan’s example of passion and persistence!