In Memory of Jan O’Leary

Jan sadly died of Clear Cell Sarcoma on the 30th September 2026 at the age of 67 years. For her celebration of life service, Jan has asked that donations be made to the Edward Showler Foundation, rather than buying flowers.

Jan was diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma in 2024 after a trip to Florence, following which, Jan had her left leg, and part of her hip and pelvis amputated, spending 5-months in hospital recovering from her surgery.

On returning home, Jan adapted to her limited mobility with her usual zest for life and despite set-backs, she would always squeeze the most out of every day. Jan was a one-off, who made a huge impact upon anyone who met her.

Unless Clear Cell Sarcoma is caught very early, it has a tendency to metastasise and insidiously spread to other areas of the body. Sadly, this happened to Jan and she was readmitted to hospital in April.

When Jan was told, just a few weeks ago that they had found tumours on her spine she said to a neighbour that “she was lucky as Clear Cell Sarcoma normally affects children.” Her good fortune was being able to live a good life, albeit cut short, whereas a child would not have had this opportunity. A very special lady.

Jan, in her own words, lived a “rock and roll” life. She was an inspirational and lovely lady who had so much more living to do. Her life was cut short by a disease that has no effective treatment because, up until now it has been little researched.

If you would like to donate to remember Jan and to support research into Clear Cell Sarcoma you can do so via the link below.