By John Shaw
Jan Secunda outside her house.
Credit: John Shaw
Long-time Linnton resident, Jan Secunda, passed away on December 18th from cancer, surrounded by her family. Her deep and sincere passion for the environment led to decades of activism for ecological sustainability and practices that protected the earth’s soil, water, and air.
Jan and her husband, John Shaw, could often be found working in their garden, ambitiously building structures and beautiful paths, and nurturing plants. Their garden also reflected her creative tilework and sculptures. Jan was outspoken and protective of nature and of those she loved.
She is survived by John, six children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, two brothers and a sister. “Fierce” was a word used lovingly by many who described her at her memorial service.