Our mother, Jan, was a truly amazing woman.  Everyone who met her fell in love with her easygoing, fun and outgoing personality.  She was beautiful both inside and out.  Mom was truly interested in people, and went out of her way to welcome people into her life. 

Mom worked as a teacher and high school guidance counselor, and changed the lives of many of the kids she worked with.  She adored children and professed the belief that there wasn't a bad kid, just bad circumstances.  She gave hope, love and her time to many.  She was beloved by students everywhere she worked.

Mom loved animals, and helped to train many a black Lab puppy!  For almost all of our childhood, we had at least one black Lab in the house, and most of our childhood pictures have a tail, ear or shadow of one of our dogs in it.

Jan had a great sense of humor, and loved to laugh.  Some of our favorite memories of her leave us laughing until our sides ache!  Even toward the end of her life, on a good day she would get in a one-liner that would crack everyone up.

Mom, we loved you more than you could ever know!  And you are very missed, but we know you are in a better place and that you are back to being our Janie!  Mom, we'll never forget you.

Some of Jan's Favorites:

Her family!

Her friends

CHOCOLATE anything!!

Making a special birthday cake

Mud Pie

Labrador puppies

Her years in Lewiston, Idaho

Children

Celebrating the birthday of a family member

Handwritten letters to her family & friends

The beach...and watching the ocean

The Johnny Carson Show (Mom LOVED Johnny!)

Santa Barbara

Her best friends from UCSB (the Popes!)

Pens with fun colored ink and stationery

Anything sung by Neil Diamond 

Traditions around the holidays

Sunsets--especially when viewed from the beach!

Palmilla Resort at Cabo San Lucas

ANYTHING chocolate!!!! 

The men in her life

The women in her life

Her students

Breakfast with a good cup of coffee

Her sister and best friend Caryl

Having someone else make the salad for dinner ("When someone else makes it, it always tastes better!")

Going to the movies and eating hot popcorn

Hot, homemade buttered popcorn

Duke, Rip, Buddy & Riley (beloved Black Labs)

the "Dr. Laura" radio show

Painting & knitting

Fresh flowers

Holding a baby

A family cat named "Thomas" (short for Thomasina)

Laughing

Loving

Bea Ochoa - a treasured friend and caregiver

Valley Haven - adult day center