Janet Lynn Tafelski

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Jan Tafelski on Monday, February 23, 2026, surrounded by her family just shy of her 79th birthday.

Jan was born on February 27, 1947, to Edward C. Stager and Vivian O. (Seaman) Stager, Jan was the youngest of three girls.

She married Gregory Tafelski on May 27, 1967, and together they raised their three boys, Mark, Michael, and Matthew.

Jan lived her life as a Force; there is no other way to describe it. She had a mouth like a truck driver but behind her tough exterior was a woman with a heart of gold. She would drop the phone and run every red light to get to the person on the other end if need be. She was a confidant, a protector, and a supporter.

She was strong willed and self-sufficient. She worked many jobs over the years including the Sagebrush Store at Northtowne Mall (anyone that knew her remembers the red handkerchief wrapping paper on the roll that would never end), Meijer in Taylor, MI, Raceway Park Toledo, and ending her career at Toledo Hospital, a job that she was extremely proud of and even continued to work and help out at after she retired. She also enjoyed playing Bunco with the same group of gals for over twenty years and also enjoyed lunches and cards with her girlfriends.

Her home was filled with love, laughter, great times, and good food. From an old family recipe of Potato Pie (which used to be Rabbit Pie), to her Mac Salad, to making octopus hotdogs on mac and cheese, to eating Rudy's on the deck in the summer to Inky's Pizza for dinner, it was always special and fun for family and friends alike. Summers were spent by the pool and there were block parties that always lasted until the wee hours celebrating graduations, birthdays, holidays or the 'just becauses.'

Christmases at their house weren't just holidays; they were a full-on chaotic production. Stacks and stacks and STACKS of boxes getting flung across the room with precision and laughter, she didn't even have to aim. Every seat was filled and sometimes you just had to squish in. And, again, food, specifically her homemade Chex Mix and Dill Oyster Crackers were made by the boat load and enjoyed by all.

Her home was a safe haven for all who entered; everyone was welcome. It never mattered who showed up; everyone knew you could drop by unannounced and be greeted with a hug and a kiss. Grab a pop or a beer and have a seat at the table. She made everyone feel like they belonged.

The most important people in Jan's life were her family, specifically her seven Grandchildren, whom she adored and would literally do anything for. She and Greg lived for attending all their sporting events, plays, activities, and graduations. She was known to all her Grandchildren's friends as "Mustang Grandma", because who else's Grandmother drove a red mustang??

Vacations with the family such as multiple trips to Florida and Disney World, and even to Mexico, there are so many memories filled with love and laughter.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters and her husband, Greg. She is survived by Sons, Mark, Michael (Kathleen), Matthew (Nikki); Grandchildren, Cameron (Amber), Taylor (Jacob) Bensch, Hudson, Ella, Teague, Ashley (Kelsey) and Alexis (Tyler); niece, Annie, and many other nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Fly high Jan...Greg is waiting.