Janice Arrott Obituary

Janice James Arrott

Janice James Arrott passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026 at El Castillo Life Care Facility in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jan was born October 22, 1932 in Worthington, Minnesota to Judith Johnson James and Arthur James. She was the youngest of two daughters. Jan graduated from Worthington High School in 1950. She received her Nursing Diploma at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN and her Anesthesiology Diploma from Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Jan carried with her a quiet strength-steady, humble, and deeply kind. Jan lived with an extraordinarily generous heart. She offered love without conditions or expectations, often placing herself last, never needing recognition for the good she did. Her kindness was instinctive-as natural to her as breathing.

Jan served as an CRNA in the Department of Anesthesiology for The University of New Mexico Hospital for over 30 years. She was awarded in 1989 the National Clinical Anesthesia Practitioner Award by the Council for Public Interest in Anesthesia. She specialized in anesthesia for infants undergoing surgery, she brought calm to fearful moments and steadiness where it mattered most.

Jan was deeply spiritual, though always questioning-seeking understanding of herself, of the world, and of something greater beyond it. Her faith was not rigid or certain, but alive, curious, and sincere.

Nature was her sanctuary. As President of the Las Vegas, New Mexico Wildlife Refuge Friends Group, she gave her time and heart to protecting wild places. Among open skies and the quiet American plains she found the medicine her soul required.

In her final chapter, Jan spoke openly of transition. She passed peacefully in her sleep, embracing the journey toward whatever was next with the same curiosity, courage, and grace that guided her life.

Janice leaves behind a stepson Christopher Branch Arrott, brother in-law Frank Breuker, nieces Sandy (Todd) Wilson and Mary (Mike) Earll, great nephews David (Ashley) Earll & Josh (Hannah) Earll and great nieces Sara (Russell) Slack & Amy (Philip) Gingerich.

She was preceded in death by her father Arthur James, her mother Judith James, sister Arlouine Anne Breuker, husband James West Arrott Jr, Stepsons James West Arrott V and Neale Holdsworth Arrott.

Though her absence is deeply felt, her presence endures in lives she safeguarded, in landscapes she helped preserve, and in the love she gave so freely.

She was deeply loved. She will always be remembered and she will forever be part of who we are.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.