Janis Marie Wallace

Janis Marie Petersen Wallace died in Lake Oswego, Ore., on Sept. 9, 2024, at the age of 98. Jan was born Jan. 13, 1926, to Charles and Olga Arneson Petersen in Pocatello, Idaho. Friends and family knew Jan as a highly intelligent and social, yet shy, person.

Jan's family moved to Portland when she was 6 years old, and she attended Gregory Heights Grade School. Throughout high school she worked at Roseway Movie Theater, and during summers she worked as a lifeguard at Blue Lake Park. After graduating from Grant High School, Jan briefly attended Marylhurst University and Brigham Young University, then worked on airplanes as a riveter during World War II. After the war, she attended University of Oregon, where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and a Homecoming Princess.

Jan married George E. Wallace in 1948, and they were married for 75 years. They were active in the community and members of various clubs including the former Aero Club, Portland Golf Club, Multnomah Club, Racquet Club and Mountain Park Racquet Club. A classically trained pianist, Janis enjoyed jazz musicians such as Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans and loved playing for family and friends at holiday gatherings. Her rendition of the song "Misty" was a favorite.

Jan raised four children and encouraged them to be creative and curious. To keep up with George, an avid flyer, she held a private pilot's license.In 1966, she and George moved their family from Portland to Lake Oswego. In 1985, George and Janis moved back to Portland, to a home on the Willamette River where they could dock George's float plane.

Jan was a professional artist who sold her paintings throughout the U.S. and an avid skier and tennis player with an adventurous spirit. She and George traveled extensively with their four children. Jan loved horseback riding, and the family spent many summers at their cattle ranch in Izee, Ore., where she participated in branding, cattle drives and hunting. After George retired, the couple spent winters in Manzanillo, Mexico, and later in Borrego Springs, Calif., where Jan continued to paint and enjoyed entertaining their many friends with George. She was a great listener with vast interests, and a cheerleader to all.

Janis was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, George, who died exactly six weeks before her, and her adored grandson Randy Sorenson.

She is survived by four children: Karen Bartelt (Jeff), Sally Jo Beesley (Jerome), Daniel Wallace (Katherine) and Richard Wallace and 10 beloved grandchildren. A private burial will be held.