Janet Elaine Mockaitis

Janet Elaine (Plummer) Mockaitis, 85, of Decatur, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Memorial donations may be made to Cancer Care Specialists or the American Red Cross.

Jan was born on February 23, 1940 in Cumberland County, IL, the daughter of Reverend Kenneth and Chleo Elizabeth (Phipps) Plummer. Jan married Vitus “Vic” Mockaitis on December 26, 1965. They were happily married 45 years until he preceded her in death on May 1, 2011.

Jan grew up in Arthur, Illinois, graduating from Arthur High School. She went to MacMurray College and got her degree in Special Education. A lifelong learner, she continued to take classes, earning her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois – Champaign, while both working and raising her children. She dedicated her life to education, working for over 40 years in various roles in special education, with the bulk of her career at MacArthur High School. Most of her teaching years were spent at MacArthur, where she helped countless special education students gain valuable real-world experience, coordinating job placements and providing guidance that extended far beyond the classroom. Even after retirement in 2010, she would encounter former students who fondly remembered their time under her tutelage.

In her spare time, Jan enjoyed reading, making photo album scrapbooks, and crafting. A favorite creative outlet in her later years was making handmade cards. Over the years, she collaborated with various specialty card-making communities, sharing her creations to spread joy to others. A particular favorite group would send the handmade cards to soldiers overseas, so that they could write home to their families. She took great pride in the letters of thanks that some recipients would send her back. Jan was also a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ for many years.

Prior to Vic’s passing, Jan and Vic were avid travelers. Their many trips together included embarking on more than 20 cruises, exploring all 50 U.S. states, visiting every Canadian province, trekking to numerous Caribbean islands, and traveling to destinations across Italy, France, North Africa, South America, and Mexico. Their travels were a testament to their shared curiosity, adventurous spirit, and deep love for one another.

Janet will be remembered as a kind, generous, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed and will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

Janet is survived by her 2 children Vicki Lynne (husband Kenneth) Dabrowka of Pasadena, MD and Jeffrey Wayne (wife Constance) Mockaitis of Vernon Hills, IL; 4 grandchildren, Delaney Paige Dabrowka, Ian Dennis Dabrowka, Paxton Charles Mockaitis, and Parker Jane Mockaitis; and her sister Arlene Kay Long, niece Dana Long Donovan and nephew Michael Long. She is preceded by her parents, her husband, and a brother Larry Plummer.