Janice McKenzie

Janice M. McKenzie, 89 years of age, of Colorado Springs passed away on November 16, 2025.

Jan was born on June 6, 1936, in North Bend, Oregon to Everett Messerle and Josephine (Jo) Biasca. She had one sister, Pam, and four brothers, Don, Ken, Dave, and Fred. Jan graduated from Marshfield High School and then continued her education at Oregon State University, earning a degree in home economics. She also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Colorado. She was a home maker for several years and taught home economics at Challenger Middle School.

In 1958, Jan met Michael McKenzie while she was teaching high school in Coos Bay, Oregon. They were married one year later. Together, they lived in Germany and many US states. In 1977, they settled in Colorado Springs, which was their favorite posting. They had three children, Lisa, Susan, and Carol. Jan shared her love of hiking, sewing, cooking, reading, word games and the arts with her family.

Jan was truly a renaissance-women with a passion for education, travel, and bringing people together. She was a co-founder of the Trail Seekers hiking club and summitted Handies Peak on her 70th birthday. She was an active member of many other organizations/clubs including the American Association of University Women and her local quilting club, book club, “200” club and mahjong group,

Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Michal Mckenzie, her parents, Everett and Jo Messerle, and her brother, Dave Messerle.

Jan is survived by her children and spouses, Lisa, Susan, and Carol McKenzie, Calvin Lee, and Robert Vermillion; grandchildren Akayla and Rowan McKenzie-Park and Joel and Kyle Vermillion; her siblings Don, Ken, and Fred Messerle and Pam VanBuskirk; and many friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held December 5th, 2025 at 10 am at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colorado Springs with a reception immediately following. She will be interred at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Association of University Women Colorado Springs Scholarship Fund, Denver Hospice, or a charity of your choice in Jan’s Name.