Janice "Jan" P. DeFord

Janice “Jan” P. DeFord, of Pardeeville, formerly of Uncasville, CT, passed away at home surrounded by her family Tuesday, October 27, 2020. She was born August 20, 1932 in Norwich, CT, the daughter of Fredrick and Jenny (Fargo) Perkins.

Jan graduated from NFA/WMI in 1952. She worked all her life as a dedicated CNA, retiring at the age of 74. Jan was united in marriage to Thomas A. DeFord, Sr. August 2, 1957. As a military wife, she relocated several times while managing to give birth and raise seven children as well as continuing to work full time as a CNA. She passed on her love of professional caregiving to her daughters. Baking and giving to others was her passion. She won numerous awards at fairs for her pound cakes and is well known for her German potato salad. Jan’s first love were her children and her children’s friends who called her “ma”. Her door was always open and the coffee pot was always on. 

She is survived by her children Deborah Walker of Pardeeville, Thomas A Deford, Jr., of Oakdale, CT, Diana Shallenberger of Pardeeville, Brian DeFord Sr. of Oakdale, CT, Fredrick DeFord of Uncasville, CT, Pamela Sue Hakley of Portage and Tammie (David) Fuller of North Franklin, CT; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and brother Fredrick Jr. (Eleanor) Perkins of Uncasville, CT. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Thomas Sr.

Per Jan’s wishes, local memorial services as well as in her home state of Connecticut will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at the CCHC in Wyocena for their love and compassionate care of mom. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice "Jan" P. DeFord, please visit our floral store.