Janet “Jan” Helen Bray passed away on July 3, 2026, in Grass Valley. She was 79.

Graveside Service will take place on Monday, July 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Sierra Memorial Lawn in Nevada City, California.

A Gathering will follow at the Buttermaker’s Cottage Western Gateway Park, Penn Valley, California.

Janet Helen Blanchard was born on June 30, 1947, in Berkeley, California, to Royal and Helen Blanchard. She grew up admiring her father’s pioneering work in accounting and early computer technology, developing her lifelong love for books and numbers. His early passing shaped her strong, independent spirit.

In the mid 1960s, Jan married the love of her life, James “Jim” Bray, beginning a devoted 63 year partnership. She later earned her high school diploma from Acalanes High School and went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco with a degree in Organizational Behavior.

Jan dedicated her career to human services. She served as Executive Director of the Nevada County Housing Development Corporation, contributing to the Lamar Court Self Help Housing Project, and later joined United Way of Nevada County, helping expand its impact across the community. She was also a longtime 4 H leader and supporter of youth programs.

Jan loved supporting her grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sports and 4 H activities. She enjoyed watching baseball, soccer, volleyball, and basketball games, and helping with fair projects. She and her husband Jim created cherished memories by taking each grandchild to the Hawaiian Islands. She was deeply patriotic and committed to community service.
Jan will be remembered for her integrity, resilience, compassion, independence, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Jan is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Bray; daughters Karin (Mark), Anna (Don), and Cindy (Mike); grandchildren Tyler, Robbie, Tate, Christopher, Rachel, Emily, Thomas, and Mathew; great grandchildren Jeremy, Adrian, Benjamin, Wyatt, Nolen, Charolett, Frankie, Luke Royal, and baby Stevie, expected this fall; and brothers in law Peter (Janice), Thomas (Barbara), and Mike (Sandy), along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Royal and Helen Blanchard; brother Royal Blanchard; sister Jean Day; and beloved in laws Philip and Karen Bray.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice or to a local community organization meaningful to Jan’s life of service.