Janice and I loved each other very much and spent the past 22 years together; We married on
February 15, 2003. Upon meeting each other we remained devoted and faithful to one another
from that day on. We had a friendship, a chemistry that only we knew how deep it ran. I thank
God we were able to share those precious years together. Janice loved to travel and we did it
all: Paris, Rome, Portugal, and many other destinations including Alaska. Janice would do all
the planning, reservations, hotels, car rentals, plane flights. She would lead and I would follow!
When I would stress out when luggage was lost or a connecting flight missed, she always
remained calm and say, “don’t worry, it will all work out” and it did. We also were fortunate to be
certified scuba divers and dove the Cook Islands off Tahiti (Moorea, Rarotonga) as well as
Hawaii. Janice also dove in Indonesia. She also traveled to China with one of her Sons from a
prior marriage, and took a trip to Australia with her other Son.
Janice was a terrific artist; I will always cherish the beautiful paintings she did that are hanging
on our walls. I especially like the seascapes that look so real. She never gave herself credit or
realized just how talented she was. She also taught art to small groups.
The truly amazing aspect of Janice’s journey is that she endured many disabilities. Over 20
years ago she had a kidney transplant. Subsequent to that UCSF did a difficult surgery installing
steel rods up and down her spine to correct scoliosis. Then she had both knees replaced,
neuropathy in her feet, and several bad infections requiring hospitalizations that I thought she
wouldn’t survive but she did. I used to joke and tell her, “ you are like Lazarus, the Lord brings
you back from the dead” regardless of all the challenges, Janice was a fighter, she did not give
up or complain, and would always say there are people out there who have it worse than her.
I chose not to use her glamour photo from her youth and used her last pic that was taken 4
days before her death. Janice was born in Kansas and came from tough, midwest farmers.
She loved her vast collections of seeds; Various heirloom tomatoes were her favorite. She
would start the plants, then I would get the work growing them in the garden. Notice the
harvested tomatoes she is holding, her last crop. Look at that beautiful smile of hers!
I take comfort that as her husband I took care of her as sole caregiver for years. Everyone that
knows me compliments me on what a great job I did and what a great Husband I am, but I
would always say not to give me the glory but give the glory to God! Read Ephesians 5, 25-28. I
know what the Lord, (the bridegroom) did for his bride, (Me, his followers, the church)
So the least I could do was to take care of my wife, because I know what the Lord did for me!
Yes I will miss Janice but I know what a faithful believer she was who always trusted in the lord.
There is no doubt in my mind that her name is written in the Lamb’s book of life, and she heard
our heavenly father say to her, “Well done faithful servant!
Love Always,
Don
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