Janet Mary North

Janet Mary North, a Auburn resident for the past 23 years and a strong

proponent of classical music in Auburn, died unexpectedly September 11th at her

home on Birdsall Avenue. Janet was born May 20, 1917 in Joplin, Missouri the

youngest of three daughters born to Annie Whittington and Francis See

Speelman.

When Janet was 4 years old, she went to live with her Aunt in Cedar Rapids,

Iowa one of the founders of the Cedar Rapids Symphony. During this time Janet

learned to appreciate and love classical music.

In 1935 Janet graduated from high school in Iowa City. In 1937 she entered the

University of South Dakota at Vermillion where she majored in Home Design and

Economics. While at the university she joined the Pi Phi Beta Sorority and also

met Bill North a law student and her husband to be. Janet and Bill were married

in 1942 at Lake Forest, Ill.

During WWII years, Janet taught Home Economics in the El Centro and Calexico

high schools. After the war, Janet taught science in the Bethesda- Chevy Chase

High School. In 1955 Janet continued her teaching career in Puerto Rico by

teaching science at a private San Juan high school.

In 1957 the Norths moved to San Francisco. Their son Stephen was born in

1960. During this time in San Francisco Janet became active in the alumni club

of her sorority of which she was president for several terms and increased the

membership from 20 to 100. She also pursued a graduate course in home design

at UC Berkeley.

In 1988 Janet and Bill moved to Auburn CA where Janet became involved with

the Auburn Symphony in 1995. During the years Janet received many honors,

including: Auburn City Council 1997 Recognition of Achievement, County Board

of Supervisors 2000 Award of Excellence, California State Assembly 2002

Patron of the Year, Placer Arts Council 2000 ARTIE Achievement Award, Calif.

Assn. of Symphonies 2000 Most Valuable Player Volunteer Award, and

Appointment as President Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Auburn

Symphony in appreciation of years of service and devotion to the Auburn

Symphony. This last award Janet cherished and appreciated more than she

could ever say. She was recognized nationally in 2009 as a Carolyn Helman

Lichtenberg Crest Award Winner for her philantrophic service. Janet is survived

by her husband William M. North her son Stephen M. North her daughter-in-law

Suzanne North and her grandchildren Ian and Katie North.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Lewis and Orange Sts., Auburn, CA. A private interment will follow.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Hills, Auburn, CA.