Janice L Wagner

Janice’s childhood was spent between Minnesota and California.

The first three years of her life were spent on a farm in Cobden MN. When Janice was three, the family moved to Pasadena, California. Eight years later, when she was 11, the family moved back to Minnesota, to Anoka, and in 1951, two years later, they moved back to Pasadena. Janice was 13. At that point, the family stayed in Pasadena and Janice graduated from Pasadena High School in 1956.

After High School, Janice worked for Cornet Stores home office as a receptionist and switchboard operator answering phones. She was very proud of the fact that the owner of the company complimented her on her telephone voice.

It was during this time, after graduation, that she met Gary Wagner, a friend of her brother, Howard. They initially didn’t care much for one another, but Janice wanted a ride on a motorcycle, and Gary had one. He obliged, and one ride led to more, which led to romance.

Gary and Janice were married November 15th, 1958 and bought their first house in Duarte, California. While in Duarte, Janice gave birth to two sons, first Bob in December 1959, and then Ed in June of 1962.

In 1963, the young family purchased a brand new house in Glendora, California. In 1967, they adopted Kim, and Janice finally had the daughter she longed for.

In 1975, the family changed gears completely and purchased a campground near Mariposa, California. The campground proved exciting and challenging. 3 ½ years later, they sold the campground, built a house in Mariposa Pines, and Mom began work as a travel agent. She was also active in Soroptomists and served as Vice President.

While proud of the fact that she was mostly a stay at home Mom to four kids,

As the kids got older, she helped make ends meet by working part – time.

In the early 70’s when Gary was laid off from his job in the aerospace industry, Janice worked at JC. Penney in the gift wrapping Department. She also worked briefly at Citrus College in the administration office.

She once again became a stay at home mom in 1990, when they adopted Kristy.

After Kristy got old enough, Janice worked in Oak Glen doing decoupage where her pieces were sold, and later worked at Cherry Valley Sanitation in the office.

Later, so she could have a little “mad money” to support her pets, she did demonstrations and handed out samples at several area stores.

Janice had many “crafty” interests. She loved to knit, dabbled in painting, decoupage, cake decorating, and loved to bake. Janice also loved camping with her family, and dearly loved animals – Dogs, Cats, and even a Bearded Dragon lizard.

In the late 80’s Janice had her first stroke. She had a heart attack the night Kristy’s car was stolen from their driveway. But she always seemed to recover, until seven years ago when mini-strokes started taking their toll and dementia became a word we all got too familiar with.

Janice and Gary were married for 62 years. The love of her life, Gary Wagner preceded her in death by 2 months and 3 days. Janice passed away December 30th, 2021

Janice is survived by a brother, Howard Nielsen of Celebration, Florida, and four children: Robert, of Nampa, Idaho; Edward of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Kim of Twentynine Palms, California; and Kristy of Meridian, Idaho. She is also survived by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaver-mortuary.com for the Wagner family.