Jan Elizabeth Broussard Pederson passed away on April 29, 2026. She was born on October 6, 1954 (though she would insist on being remembered as 39), and was the daughter of Joyce and Merlin Broussard. Jan was raised in Orange, Texas, and was the oldest of five siblings. She lived a life defined by generosity and devotion—especially to her family.
She was a graduate of Stark High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, followed by a master’s degree from Lamar University. She began her career as an educator with WOCCISD and later served as an instructor at Lamar State College–Orange. She emphasized the value of education to her students and her son. Deeply committed to her community, she was a past president of the Service League of Orange and a founding member of the Ivy League Garden Club.
Jan was an avid Mustang fan and attended more sporting events than could possibly be counted. She took great joy in watching her son, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and students on the field. As a teacher, supporting students was of the utmost importance to her, and she simply loved sports and the kids involved. In recent years, her grandchildren’s activities kept her busy traveling to Houston—so often that fellow fans were surprised to learn she and Dave actually lived in Orange. A true sports enthusiast, Jan loved both high school and college athletics and especially enjoyed attending games and spiritedly debating teams, coaches, and players with her husband and true partner in life, Dave. She will also be fondly remembered for her pecan and fudge pies, as well as her love of shopping—not for herself, but always in search of the perfect gift for someone she loved.
She was preceded in death by her father, Merlin Broussard; her brother-in-law, Tony Dallas; and her father-in-law, Newt Pederson.
She is survived by her mother, Joyce Broussard; her husband, Dave Pederson; her son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Sarah Eddlemon; her siblings and their spouses, Susan and Roger Anderson; Todd and Lynne Broussard; Brian and Sally Broussard; and Nancy Dallas. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Bobbie Pederson, and her brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Susan Pederson. Jan was lovingly known as “Ganny” to her four “Friends”, the name she affectionately gave her grandchildren—Miles, Graham, Clark, and Violet Eddlemon—as well as her nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind numerous other loving family members and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Antony Paulose. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes gifts in memory of Jan to Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Houston, Texas, or the Ivy League Garden Club.
