Janice Antaya Evans

Janice Antaya Evans, 71, of Nashua, died Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at her home following a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer.

She was born on September 16, 1952, in Boston, daughter of the late Joseph Francis and Vera Frances (Fitzemeyer) Antaya. She was raised in Medford, MA and graduated from Medford High School in 1971.

On August 24, 1974, she married her high school sweetheart, Jeffrey Cameron Evans. They lived in Bangor, ME, Thetford, VT, and Greenland, NH, before settling in Nashua in 1985.

While in Nashua, Jan worked for several local businesses: Jean’s Foodland, Quimby Eye Care and Davis Funeral Home. She was a member of The First Church, UCC, in Nashua where her husband served as Associate Pastor. She was active in the church’s outreach ministry and served as a mentor in the church’s Confirmation program.

Jan believed in helping those who were struggling in the community and volunteered at several social service agencies, including the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, and Family Promise.

She loved her gardens, both floral and vegetable, and found a deep spiritual presence working in the earth. She was a joyful spirit, a non-judgmental listener, a mentor for young women, and a fierce friend.

She was devoted to the family of which she was the center. Besides her husband, she is survived by her sons Caleb C. Evans and his wife Heather, of San Diego, CA, and Joshua J. Evans and his wife Katie, of Nashua; her grandchildren Colin and Nora Evans of Nashua; and her siblings Joseph F. Antaya, Jr and his wife Mary of Somerville, MA, Paul F. Antaya and his wife Kay of Andover, MA, and Susan Passatempo and her husband Peter of Medford, MA; and several nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A Church service will be held at The First Church, UCC, 1 Concord St, Nashua, NH on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10 am. Friends and family are invited to attend. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter by mail at PO BOX 3116, Nashua, NH 03061, or visit them online at https://nsks.org/give-online/. The Davis Funeral Home has been placed in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com (603)883-3401 “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”