"There is a Jazzercise class going on in heaven today."
It was a comment made to the Jazzercise-Little Rock Facebook page by a fellow student in memory of Jan Jupin, our longtime teacher and center owner, who died last week.
I couldn't believe the news when I heard late Wednesday night.
And I couldn't believe it when it was confirmed through an official announcement the next morning: "To our Jazzercise family: It's with great sadness we let you know that our beloved Jan passed away last night following her long and courageous battle with cancer."
I still can't believe it.
Not her.
Not someone so fitness-oriented and health-conscious.
Not a nurturing woman who cared for her students and employees like her own daughters.
Not someone so young -- a mere 58.
Not a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, business owner and friend.
Not Jan.
Not our Jan.
Back in 2004, I interviewed Jan about Jazzercise, which she discovered 25 years ago through a demonstration to her mother's group at church and a free class coupon.
"I went thinking, 'OK this will be like every other exercise program. I'll do it for maybe a year and will quit going,'" she said.
She never quit. Even when it was hard, says Angie Chance, a 15-year instructor.
"She never gave up," Angie says. "Even through all of her chemo she still taught classes and was an inspiration to everyone in the class. She reminded us that if she could do it so could we."
Heather Abed, a five-year instructor, says, "Her support and encouragement for me is certainly why I am able to get up on that stage and dance. Her strength as a warrior against cancer also makes her a hero to me."
Caroline Crow, a 10-year instructor, says, "I'll always remember Jan's great leadership and grace under pressure. Of course her love for rock 'n' roll songs, singing her heart out and playing air guitar. She opened her home to instructors and managers several times a year .... She always went above and beyond as a host. She loved her rescue kitty cats and had a special place in her heart for animals. ... Most of all she loved her Jazzercise family and even as of two days ago was asking about various customers and wanting to check in with them.
"She was an amazing woman."
She was. In all the roles I knew her.
I'm glad I knew Jan, the teacher. I have been a student at her Jazzercise center for more than 10 years. She always brought passion, positive energy and a sense of humor.
I'm glad I knew Jan, the employer. She hired me as the most unlikely and least qualified baby sitter ever (she knew I had never even changed a diaper -- I still haven't!) in exchange for free classes when I was canceling my membership. (I hadn't been coming to class and couldn't justify spending the money.) I now watch kiddos Friday mornings, and it's one of the most fun jobs I've had. Sometimes.
I'm glad I knew Jan, my sister in Christ ... and my sister in cleanser. She had been my cleaning partner (my fellow -- actual name --"Heavenly Duster") at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, where her funeral was held Monday. It comforts me that she was a woman of faith and that I know God has called her to come home.
...
Before her death, a special class for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month had been planned for Saturday in honor of Jan and two students.
It is still taking place, now with more purpose than ever. And it's open to the public, so please join us: Let's Dance to End Ovarian Cancer, 8:50 a.m. Saturday, Jazzercise, Ashley Square Shopping Center (second floor), 216 S. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 225-8222, jazzercise.com
Admission is a donation at the door. All proceeds benefit the Arkansas Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Participants are encouraged to wear the color teal (TEAL stands for Take Early Action to Live).
Take action to learn more about ovarian cancer at ovarian.org.
Email:
jchristman@arkansasonline.com
What's in a Dame is a weekly report from the woman 'hood.
Style on 09/09/2014