In early March, Jan Brown hadn't been feeling well and after several tests, her doctor determined that she had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a fast-growing cancer.

The family discussed options and they determined that chemotherapy was the best treatment. On March 15, Jan had her first treatment.

Family members, including her husband Jerry, sons Brian and Doug and daughter Jackie took turns visiting Jan and were limited to one family visitor in 24 hours. Grandchildren were able to visit via Skype.

"Thank God for today's technology," said Brian. "And thank God for kids and grandkids who can help us figure out the technology."

Jackie added, "As we were spending as much time with our mom as we could, we also were watching as the effects of COVID-19 unfolded in the hospital."

With her first treatment behind her, the doctors and family agreed that it would be best if Jan was transferred to Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care in Fitchburg.

Less than two weeks later, Jan died.

The family said that with the craziness happening around them, so many people were helpful, and they realize that it will continue for the days, weeks, and months to come.

"There were so many signs that guided us," added Yogi.

Doug said that he received a phone call from Jackie early on Tuesday morning, he immediately drove to Fitchburg and was stopped for going 50 in a 35-mph zone. The officer gave him a warning and escorted him to Agrace.

As the family was leaving Agrace, the song 'Tiny Bubbles,' which was one of Jan and Jerry's favorites, played as they made their way thru the hallway. Another sign.

Repeatedly, the Brown family said how helpful Andy Beal from the Becker-Beal Funeral Home was as they navigated planning a funeral while social distancing.

Her obituary read, "Jan's family was everything to her, for the last 60 years she loved watching her kids and grandkids grow and participate in sports and activities. Jan also loved polka dancing, family gatherings, bowling, fishing, drives around the countryside, traveling, and attending shows. She was a member of the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Paoli, the Montrose Budget Busters, and many agricultural organizations including Wisconsin Master Farmers and FFA alumni. Jan will be dearly missed for her jokes, potato casserole, card games, and the goodie bags for the grandkids."

If you know the Brown family, you know that friends were made throughout the country, and even overseas.

Jerry said that he met Jan at what was referred to as the 'heifer shed', or Turner Hall in Madison.

On November 15, 1959, Jan married her "forever dancing partner."

"A date that persists in the record books as the coldest day on record," added Jerry.

The couple began farming and raising a family on their farm on Highway A, where their son Doug and grandson Devin now farm. Their son Brian, his wife Yogi and grandson Cory and wife Katy own Sunburst Dairy nearby. In 1983, the Brown family hosted the Dane County Dairy Breakfast.

Andy Beal worked with Pastor Rich Pleva at the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Paoli to prepare an on-line service on Saturday that immediate family members attended, and family and friends could view online.

Cardinals were Jan's favorite bird, and the morning of the funeral service Doug recalled seeing a cardinal on the bird feeder. Another sign.

Other obstacles that the family realized were the availability of flowers and with the weather forecast predicting rain, a tent was a necessity but not an option. The rain stopped while the family was at the cemetery. Another sign.

"Brenda from Brenda's Blumenladen in New Glarus designed the most beautiful flower arrangement with beautiful spring flowers," added Cindy O'Connor.

Brian and Yogi's son Chris spoke during the service and shared, "That for someone who was always sitting down, she sure made it her job to be everywhere. And for someone who I remember taking a while to get places, she sure left us in a hurry. Thank you Grandma, for being there always, in person, over the phone, or in spirit. We love you."

Granddaughter Carly added that, "Grandma was happiest when her family was spending time together. She worried about us, she made sure we were well prepared with goodies for the road, she cheered us from the stands with a bag of popcorn, she loved playing 21 and Euchre with us and, like any other proud Grandma, she loved to show us off."

More messages from children and grandkids were shared.

Jackie mentioned that during the service there were friends and family joining in from Wisconsin, Ireland, Switzerland, Iowa, Oklahoma, California, Wyoming and more, sending their condolences and prayers.

"Jan made an impression with a lot of people wherever we went," added Jerry.

Long-time family friends Ron Kittleson and Rosalie Huntington played the guitar and accordion and sang during the service.

After the service concluded, unknown to the Brown family, family and friends were distancing themselves along the route from the funeral home to the cemetery in Paoli showing their love and support.

Organized by Cindy O'Connor, Angie Markhardt, Traci Anderson Graves and Andy Beal, it's estimated that more than 100 people waved, held signs, and sent messages while social distancing.

"She would have loved this outpouring of love and support," smiled Jerry. "Thank you."

Brad Beal said that as the procession rounded the corner outside of Belleville, there were four cardinals. Another sign.

Sue (Gehin) Schult made a sign for Jan from some of Jackie's friends for the funeral home.

"As we saw their friends and family supporting them as we drove to the cemetery, I thought to myself, 'This is a great display of what makes a community, a community,'" added Andy. "People showing people they care. That's what community is all about."

Carly added on behalf of the Brown family, "Thank you to everyone who kept the Brown family in their thoughts and prayers. And thank you to everyone who braved the cold to cheer with signs of love and encouragement as the procession drove by. We were overwhelmed with the support and we couldn't have imagined a better send-off. We are so blessed to have such amazing people in our lives. Grandma would have loved it."

And she did. A public celebration of Jan's life will be held at a later date.