Jan Polon Novic, 71, of Grass Valley

Jan Polon Novic, 71, of Grass Valley

Jan Polon Novic, known to friends and colleagues as JP, passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, dogs, music, and stories and laughter—exactly as she would have wanted.

JP was born January 4, 1955, in Redwood City, California, to Julian and Fran Polon. She grew up in San Carlos with her sister Lynn and went on to graduate from San Carlos High School in 1973. She attended UC Berkeley and earned a BS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound.

After spending ten years working as an occupational therapist at Stanford Hospital, JP dedicated her career to animal advocacy. She worked with the Palo Alto Humane Society and the Peninsula Humane Society before co-founding the Center for Animal Protection & Education (CAPE) in 1992—a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing vulnerable animals and promoting humane education.

For over three decades, CAPE has saved thousands of animal lives and impacted countless more through its mission to educate and empower the public to alleviate animal suffering. JP's legacy continues through CAPE's farmed animal sanctuary in Grass Valley, its senior dog foster and adoption programs, and its ongoing educational work. Her daughter Zoe now leads the organization.

JP was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative illness, which she faced with remarkable strength and grace. Even in her final days, she continued to visit the sanctuary animals, finding peace and delight in the presence of those she spent her life protecting.

JP is survived by her husband Dr. Josh Novic, daughter Zoe Novic, and son-in-law Austin Meyer, along with the countless friends and animal sanctuary residents whose lives she forever changed.

Celebrations of life are planned in both Santa Cruz and Grass Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CAPE. For more information, visit capeanimals.org.

Published by The Union on February 6, 2026.