Sept. 25, 2007 — Well-known landscaper and botanist Jan Allanach passed away on Sunday, August 26 at her home on Water Island at the age of 50.
Jan Allanach was born in the village of Horsforth, England, on June 8, 1957, where she developed her deep love for plants and her keen understanding of the environment. She carried that with her as a young woman as she relocated to California, where she met her soul-mate, Jeff Jensen.
In 1993, Jan began her career at the Ritz Carlton, then the Grand Palazzo, where she was promoted to Director of Landscape Services and where she also conducted botanical tours of the property. Eight years later, Jan established the successful “Caribbean Plants & Maintenance”, through which she designed and planted landscapes for many fine homes as well as numerous commercial landscape projects.
Jan knew that indigenous plants and trees were essential to the ecosystem and understood the importance of protecting native species. In 2001, Jan undertook the planting of forty (40) native trees on Water Island which included Calabash, Lignum Vitae, Bread and Cheese, Orange Manjack, and Spiced Guava to name a few. In addition, her outstanding beautification efforts can be seen at many of the downtown Charlotte Amalie Alleys.
Throughout her life, Jan advocated for the humane and compassionate treatment of animals. She worked as a caring volunteer at the St. Thomas Humane Society, bringing awareness to those around her on the need for the prevention of cruelty to and the prevention of neglect of animals.
Senator Louis Hill called Jan “an outstanding figure in our environmental community, whose plantings will be admired for generations and whose wonderful laughter and good humor will be sorely missed.”
Jan will be lovingly remembered by her partner in life, Jeff Jensen, and by her father Arnold Allanach, sister Alison, and brothers Philip and Andrew, all of the United Kingdom. She was predeceased by her dear mother, Patricia Allanach. Jan will also be forever remembered by her beloved co-workers, her Water Island family, and her dear friends too numerous to mention.
A Celebration of Jan’s Life will take place on Sunday, September 30 at 11:00 on Honeymoon Beach, Water Island. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the St. Thomas Humane Society or the National Wildlife Federation.
