I have been practicing yoga at body and soul for about ten years with Janice. Janice was naturally talented in yoga and excelled way beyond my level. Sometimes it would be discouraging to be practicing yoga 10 years and not get any further then a level one class.   But I saw Janice often, as she often attended a level 3 class and then would stay for the following level 1 class. She was such an inspiration in to me, not because she was so skilled in her yoga asana, but because whether she was in a level one or level three class she practiced with the same intention, devotion and passion, reminding what yoga and life are really about.  Janice made a difference in life and will remain in my heart.
                                                                                                        Deborah H (Body & Soul yogi)

Ms. Thorkelsen was my elementary school music teacher at Southwest in the '70s. I always enjoyed going to her music class and being part of chorus. She had many great plays and songs and I was glad to be a part of it. I can still remember many of the chorus songs that I sang. I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing her. May she rest in Heaven.

Ms. Thorkelson was the music teacher for both of my children (Lia and Karel) in the late eighties and early nineties. She had the gift to bring out the absolute best in the children she taught. In the case of my daughter Lia, she was the one who inspired her to believe in her voice. She will truly be missed but her memory will go on forever due to the amount of lives she touched and the compassion she had for her students. Mine included!

Ms thorkelson was my chorus teacher in 1990 she was the best teacher I was in chorus  and she always made us feel special   rip I love yah always

Ms. Thorkelsen was my sons MUSIC Teacher at Southwest.  She was a FANTASTIC Teacher. All of her shows put on with the students were wonderful& so professional. I am so sad to hear of her passing. She is now playing beautiful music in HEAVEN. RIP Sweet Lady! Gone to soon. xo

Dear Janice,
It is hard to imagine that you will not be in class at Body and Soul.  You were ALWAYS there, giving one hundred percent of yourself.  Your yoga was beautiful, and so were you.
Always a kind word, so much interest in everyone else. No complaints, only strength and grace.  Your gentle, compassionate spirit will forever be remembered, and will always be missed.

My music and chorus teacher way back in the 70s. Always a wonderful memory. Rip Miss Thorkelson.

I am so sad to hear of her passing. She was 1 of very few teachers that made an unforgettable and positive impact on my life. She had such a special way of making each of her students feel as if they had the talent and confidence they never knew they could possess. I loved being around her and she brought out a love of music that I never knew existed. Thank you for being an angel to so many that needed your positive influence. I will miss you and never forget you...

Ms. Thorkelsen, I was so sad to hear of your passing.  Some of my fondest memories of Southwest were being in chorus every year. It wasn't just about singing songs it was a musical production and so much fun. I am very honored to have been one of your students. You passed your love of music onto many.  May you rest in peace.

Ms Thorkelson was one of the best teachers I ever had. In music class, or in chorus, she encouraged her students to be their very best. My thoughts, and prayers go out to her family.

She was one of my top favorite teachers ever. The world has lost such beautiful music. She made such an impact on so many children that she will always be remembered.

I think of my elementary school years (early 90s)and Ms. Thorkelsen overwhelms my memories. I spent every free minute, aside from music class or chorus, in her classroom. The wall to wall garden, filled with ivy and most of all, Spider plants. Rest In Peace ❤ You were the best.

What a gift she was to those of us at Southwest Elementary! My fondest memories as a child were spent in her room, singing, playing the piano, helping teach the younger students recorder, or helping her come up with motions for our next play. She nurtured my love of music, which continues with me to this day. As a teacher now myself, I compare every other elementary music teacher to her, and no one even comes close! Prayers to her friends and family are lifted up as we remember a beautiful soul who helped shape the lives of the young children of Brentwood.

Soon as i seen the last name i remembered her and it brought me back to my childhood and having her as my music teacher. So many fond memories, i will always remember how she had such passion and excitement for music. She always made everyone around her excited to sing and prepare for the amazing concerts she would put together, and if I must say we always looked fantastic on stage and the themes she always picked were out of this world. She inspired many with her passion and she was always there to help you and boost your confidence when you were getting nervous right before a concert. She was one teacher i will never forget. I am so sorry to all of her family and friends, she will be missed and she forever has left a long lasting impression on many of us students from SW elementary shool. May you rest in peace and forever sing with the angels.  Thank you for the amazing memories and the many things you have taught all of us. Forever in our hearts god bless you.

Ms. Thorkelsen was instrumental in my love for music to this day. I remember her teachings of Te Te Te Te  Ta rest Ta rest. ta rest...  teaching the counts of 8th notes and quarter notes... and the rests. I remember the songs she taught us. She will never be forgotten. As long as music exists we will have and hold her in our souls...
Margie and Maria Clacher

RIP Ms Thorkelsen I enjoyed music class with you at southwest elementary yrs 1979-1981

Dear Janice,So many memories of our Southwest days .I often wished my own children could have had you as their music teacher.Iwonder how many of your students went on to musical careers.I remember the fun time we had the summer we went to Disney College.My children got to know you while we did the homework experiencing the parks.We returned to Southwest with some new ideas to incorporate into our teaching styles.I am sad to learn of your passing.I will always remember my friend and colleague.Sleep peacefully.

My sincerest condolences to Ms. Thorkelsen's family.  I will always remember her love of music, teaching and most importantly the love she had for her students.  Some of my best memories at Southwest were in her music room, and I will cherish them forever.

I've known many people throughout my lifetime and Janice was truly one of the special ones.  I will miss our profound and challenging conversations and her remarkable and comforting depth of understanding. Rest in peace dear Janice. Sending light and love to you always.

Please accept my condolences for the loss of Ms. Thorkelsen.  She was one of the best teachers I've ever known.  Her dedication to teaching and joy of music enriched all of us
at Southwest Elementary.  She and the other wonderful teachers at Southwest were the reason that many of us presently teach and mentor students.  Thank you Ms. Thorkelsen.  You are loved and will be missed.

She got me started in Music, we always did fun cool stuff. Like when we did the 50s concert with little bitty pretty one, Rocking robin, and Sixteen tons. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. When I was in 4th grade I had the biggest crush on her. Rest In Peace.

A Teacher thats been remembered for over 40 years says it all. She has left her place in everyones heart with her love for music. "100 Years from now the world will be a better place because you were important in the life of a child." RIP

Deepest sympathy to her loved ones. I was a student of her's. She was a wonderful teacher. She inspired me to be a musician. I will never forget her and the great things about music that she taught us.

Very sad.  My condolences to the family.  Thank you for sharing your love of music with us. Rest in Peace.

Thank you for sharing your love of music with us  at southwest elementary .. I still remember the songs we learned .. There is beautiful Music playing in Heaven now .. RIP ❤

heaven has the most beautiful chorus since you've arrived. Rest in peace.

A beautiful soul that will surely live on in each and every one of us who sing and dance and play. Well done Janice. Thank you sooo very much for all of the Love and Light.

R I P Mrs. Thokelson  I will always remember you teaching our music classes songs  like Maxwells Silver Hammer and in 1814 we took a little trip. You always coordinated great concerts and made sure we had fun in music.  You will always be remembered

Miss Thorkelsen was my all time favorite teacher during my years in Southwest Elementary.  She shared her love for music with all her students and will be missed.

Thank you for the music Miss Thorkelsen!!!

I have very fond memories of Ms. Thorkelsen and my 3rd Grade teacher, Miss Wolf (Mrs. Barbara Sweeney.  This is very sad news for all of the students that have been inspired by her.  She has left us with wonderful memories of our childhood.

I am so sorry to hear of this great loss. I will never forget Ms. Thorkelsen, she was an amazing teacher and person, and really was a force to be reckoned with. God bless her Heaven, and her family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you for sharing your love of music with us. You have definitely touched the spirits of all of the children you've taught over the years. Thank you for teaching me to sing and helping me to develop a life long love of music. You will truly be missed.

Very sad, my condolences to her family.  Because of her, I developed a tremendous love of music and always wanted to be a music teacher, just like her.  RIP Ms Thorkelsen.

I have nothing but fond memories of Ms. Thorkelsen and being in chorus at Southwest Elementary School. She was a great teacher of music, & will be missed by all!!!! R.I.P.

Ms Thorkelson, bc of you I worked up the nerve to sing in front of others and I found a love of musical theatre. Music class was so much fun with you and chorus and all the special concerts and presentations that you produced brought so many of us so much joy.  Thank you! I'll never forget you. ❤

Ms Thorkelson was one of my all-time favorite teachers and I think of her often when I sing the songs that she taught us. In fact, I was thinking of her this week when teaching my daughters one of the fun Halloween songs that she taught us.  RIP, Ms Thorkelson...you made a difference to so many kids and you were very loved.  Your legacy will live on in us and those we share your love of music with.

I still sing all those musicals she trained us in - she was a rare talent, with such patience! She practically turned elementary school kids into musical theater professionals with all the training and attention she gave us. I think of her often, and will miss her.

Ms Thorkelson was one of my all-time favorite teachers and I think of her often when I sing the songs from her class and chorus. In fact, I was thinking of her this week when teaching my daughters one of the fun Halloween songs that she taught us.  RIP, Ms Thorkelson...you made a difference to so many kids and you were very loved.  Your legacy will live on in us and those we share your love of music with.

Today Brentwood lost a beautiful soul in Ms Thorkelsen who taught music for 33 years at Southwest Elementary School... RIP Ms Thorkelsen and thank you for introducing me to my singing voice.... Godspeed.... 

Mark Anderson Southwest Class of 77

I remember learning ALOT of The Beatles songs while I was in her chorus. Also the Christmas concerts. RIP.

Janice and I both taught at Southwest Elemntary school.  She was a kind and loving person.  Her students loved her! She was able to find the talent in her students and had them perform the most amazing concerts.  She will forever be in our hearts.
Barbara Sweeney

I am so sorry to learn of Janice's passing. She was such a warm loving presence.
 I will miss her.
Isabelle Pullis

I am heartbroken to learn of Janice's passing. A sweet, bright, sensitive, inquisitive
spiritual person. I will greatly miss seeing her at Body & Soul...her poses were an inspiration to all. I will also miss our conversations about tennis & the players she loved watching in all the big tournaments. She will be missed by so many.  Rest in peace dear Janice.

To my cherished Aunt and dear friend may you rest in peace. You (will) always have a positive influence on me, I will miss our talks, I will think of you often, you will never be forgotten.

We are so sad to hear about your passing!  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
With love,
Michele and Joe Goonan

Dear Janice I'm going to miss you.   You will be remenber on my prairies. I was lucky to have you as a friend. Miss you.

OBITUARY

Janice Thorkelsen

15 April, 1948 – 8 October, 2016

Claude R. Boyd - Caratozzolo Funeral Home

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