It is with both sadness and joy that we share news of the passing of Janice R. Thede, Sept. 18, 2022, at the age of 90 years. There is profound sadness for our loss, but also joy that she was part of our lives for those 90 years.
Janice was born May 23, 1932, at home in Sandy, Ore., to Bertram and Ruth Kesterson. Growing up, she loved school and her friends and always did her best, developing a passion for education she would pursue all her life. It was in first grade that Janice met her friend Harriet and they maintained a lifelong friendship that lasted 85 years. Janice graduated from Gresham High School in 1950.
When her children were in school, she began working in a school with young children, continuing her interest in education. After her children graduated from college, she fulfilled her dream at age 48 of graduating from college (University of Portland,1980) and becoming a teacher. She loved her students and teaching First Grade and aimed to instill in them a love of learning. She worked at Ventura Park School (Go Vikings!) in the David Douglas School District for many years, retiring in 1994.
Janice married Allan Thede in 1951 in Gresham, Ore., and they were happily married for more than 66 years until his passing in 2017. Together, they enjoyed their careers and family life living in east Multnomah County. Over the years, they supported their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their schooling and numerous activities, and they were her pride and joy. Upon retiring, they moved to Vancouver, Wash., wintered in Arizona and traveled to Europe, the East Coast and Hawaii.
Janice is survived by her sons, Greg (Janet) of Klamath Falls, Ore., Gary of Vancouver, Wash.; daughter, Leann of Sandy, Ore.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, whom she loved very much. Janice will be remembered for her work ethic and determination, generosity, passion for Education and love of and desire to help her family. She also loved a great Burger, Tillamook Cheese, Brad Pitt, Michael Buble, Steph Curry and the Warriors! She was the best wife, mother and grandma who we loved very much. Janice will be greatly missed and not soon forgotten by all who knew her.
A private family service will be held at a date in the near future. Those who wish to honor her legacy are invited to donate to the Clark County Food Bank or charity of their choosing. It would please Janice to know that her passing is an opportunity to help others.
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