Janet Ann Pugh

Janet was born on September 13, 1939, in Hoboken, New Jersey to parents Edward and Ann Olander. Janet’s siblings included her sister Doris and brother Edward. Janet graduated from Dickinson High School in 1957 and went on to work full-time with her father at Bekin’s Van Lines, where she met her husband to be, Albert Pugh. Janet and Albert were married in 1963 and soon after moved to the west coast with Al’s daughters Cally and Becky. They lived in the Sunnyvale area of California for several years before settling in Salem, Oregon in 1977, where Al’s brother Bud lived.

Albert had his own trucking business, aptly named “Al Jan trucking.” Janet kept the books and took care of the kids, while Al drove cross-country. In 1966 their son John was born, and Daniel was born in 1970. After moving to Salem, Janet worked at Richmond elementary school for a few years while the boys attended, before joining the department of Forestry in 1980. Janet loved working at Forestry and made many lifelong friends along the way. Janet retired from Forestry in 1998. Janet was also a member of the Lutheran Church.

During the school age years of her boys, Janet and her family enjoyed camping, fishing and travelling to Dayton and Walla Walla, Washington each Summer, where Al’s adult daughters and sister Francis lived. Janet and Al travelled as often as they could, one highlight being a month’s-long cross-country trip in their RV. During that trip they saw many of the wonderful landmarks across our country and visited Janet’s sister Doris and her family, in New Jersey. Janet had several hobbies she enjoyed, including gardening and knitting, making large, colorful blankets for anyone who wanted one. After Al died in 2008, Janet became a huge fan of the musical singing group, “Celtic Thunder.” She saw many of their concerts in person and even went on a Caribbean Cruise that featured the band, with her daughter-in-law Darcy. Janet loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Janet was preceded in death by her son John in 1988, and her husband Albert in 2008. Janet is survived by her sister Doris, brother Edward, step-daughter Cally, son Daniel and daughter-in-law Darcy, grandson Mason and his fiancé Helen and grandson Jeremy and wife Bethany, as well as two great grandchildren.

Janet was the kindest, most giving person imaginable. Janet always chose to see the positive in every situation and gave of herself to her family without hesitation or limitation. Janet set an example for others to follow, and she will forever be missed.