Janet Marie Chang

Janet Marie Chang, 90, died peacefully with her family at her bedside Saturday, March 20, 2021. Janet was born in Hillsboro, NH on February 3, 1931, the oldest of four children of John and Kay Tasker. She earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of New Hampshire. While working at Mary Hitchcock Hospital, she met her husband, Fred, who was a medical student. They married in 1957 and enjoyed 64 years of countless adventures and partnership. Fred and Jan lived in Boston, Salt Lake City, Augsburg, Germany, and then settled in Wichita, Kansas. She raised two sons and three daughters who scattered across the country but always came home to Wichita to enjoy their mom’s cooking, hugs, and encouragement. Known as “Little Grandma,” she treated every grandchild, neighbor, and friend as if they were the most important person in the world. Jan was small in stature but mighty in her passion for the underdog. She advocated for women’s rights and the underserved, championing many causes in her community. In 1984, she helped found the Assistance League of Wichita and for 30 years led or participated in philanthropic initiatives including Operation School Bell, Gingerbread Village, Buckle Up Babes, and the Scholarship Fund Program. Other volunteer activities included Meals on Wheels, Planned Parenthood, and the St. Francis gift shop. Jan loved adventure, traveling, and the outdoors. She was an avid skier, hiker, camper and golfer. Her social calendar was filled with bridge, book club, and 9-hole ladies league. She rarely passed up a happy hour, the Wheel of Fortune, a martini (straight up, very dry, no olives), or time with friends and family. Jan will be missed by so many who knew her through volunteerism and service. Smart, fierce, and generous in all ways, she acted out her life with the highest ideals and unwavering belief in the goodness of others. Her smile made the world a better place. Jan is preceded in death by her parents, John and Kay Tasker; son, Dr. Douglas Chang. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Frederic Chang; son, Jay Chang both of Wichita; daughters, JoAnn Chang (Galen) Mackenzie of Lafayette, CO, Dr. Linda Chang of Anchorage, AK, Dr. Karin Chang of Leawood, KS; daughter-in-law, Dr. Anita Chang; grandchildren, Jackie, Christopher, Samantha, Michaela, and Emily. Per her wishes, there will be no services. All are welcome to post memories and final words to her and her family on the Downing & Lahey Mortuary website. In lieu of flowers, memorial have been established with: Assistance League of Wichita Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 8072, Wichita, KS 67208 and the KU Endowment in support of the Dr. Frederic and Janet Chang Endowed Scholarship, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, www.kuendowment.org/givenow.