Dr. Jan Heiple Marston

Dr. Jan Heiple Marston of Des Moines took her last breath Saturday, December 10th, 2016 at Mercy Hospital. A service celebrating the joy she spread in her 73 years will be held in her home between 6:00 and 8:30 pm Tuesday December 13th. A memorial has been established at the Des Moines Art Center in Jan’s memory.

Jan took her first breath in Ontario, Oregon July 24, 1943. She spent her early years supporting the newspaper life and political career of her father. Jan began studying medieval French languages and literatures at the University of Oregon, and completed her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas.

Jan’s passion for languages led her to develop and facilitate learner-centered, collaborative programs at Drake University, Southern Methodist University and other institutions. Dr. Marston designed and implemented outcome-based language acquisition programs. She specialized in using native speakers to study and teach languages in directed independent studies.

Throughout her career, Dr. Marston wrote, was awarded and administered grants for furthering international understanding through the study of languages. Long after her formal career ended, Dr. Marston continued to explore cutting edge approaches to language teaching and learning.

She presented workshops and papers on learner-centered language studies and integrated cultural issues into her teaching. Dr. Marston was still teaching privately and working with language scholars, governments and beginners around the world.

Jan had such a passion for art that she didn’t have enough wall space for her collection. She enjoyed classes at the Des Moines Art Center and creating art on her own. Her appetites for reading, cooking, travel, yoga, and gardening equaled the magnitude of her love for art. Jan laughed, talked and wrote her way through life. She was working on a memoir and a novel when she died.

Jan leaves her daughter Jamie Frazer and husband Aaron; her grandchildren Trevor and BaileyAnn, husband Thain; her brother Denny Smith; and her Shakti Yoga family. Jan left a legacy of joy woven into all the lives she touched. A community of friends and family across the world loves and will miss her.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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