Jan Aguirre

Jan Aguirre was suddenly granted her angel wings on July 12th, 2013 at the young age of 60.
No words can describe how much she loved her family and friends. She was the glue that held everyone together. Not only was she the best, wife, mom, grandma, aunt, sister and daughter, but she was also the best friend anyone could ever have, and would give a complete stranger the shirt off her back just to help someone in need.
Daughter of Alyce and Roy Sherwood (pre-deceased) of Ithaca, NY on December 24, 1952. Jan is survived by her fiancé, Jim Manheim, her mother, Alyce, her three children, Jason (Lauren), Tara and Joey (Amy), two step children, Brenda and Kevin (Maddie), six grandchildren, Jason, Josh, Taylor, Maya, Keegan and Leah, five siblings, Gary, Lynn (pre-deceased), Neil (Diane), Linda and Ed (Dawn) and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was a fun loving, free spirit who loved riding her own Harley all over the US. Having her friends and family around her is what she lived for, there wasn't a moment that went by that Jan wasn't ready with some sort of practical joke that made everyone around her smile and laugh out loud. In her spare time, you could find her hiking for hours just to find the "the perfect waterfall or flower picture", dancing to her favorite bands, going on 18 hour shopping trips with her family or staying up all night with her daughter for scary movie marathons.
Jan was known for her famous cookies, fudge, warm hugs, sense of humor and advocating for motorcycle rights all over NY State. She was an accomplished artist in both photography and jewelry making; with all of this she even managed to have a beautiful garden of flowers at home.
For the last 26 years, she has worked for the Finger Lakes Library System; you could find her doing anything from teaching patrons how to use a computer to dressing up in various costumes for the Children's Reading Workshops.
If you know Jan, you'd know that riding her Harley has always been her passion. She's been an active member in the Finglerlakes H.O.G Chapter and 28 years with A.B.A.T.E of Tompkins County, where she has helped organize rides, fashion shows and even a party or two.
Jan's kindhearted and generous nature reminded everyone of the preciousness of life. She was loved by everyone, especially her family, friends and the hundreds she rode with during the summer months.
Calling hours will be held on July 16th from 5-7pm at Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca, NY and a memorial service will be held at 11:00am on July 17th at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Toys for Tots and/or Tompkins County Public Library.

In her short life, she somehow mastered the art of living every single second of life to the fullest.