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.