Jan Marie Carpenter

Jan Carpenter lived her life out loud. She was beloved and strong, an uncompromising advocate for the people she adored and the ideals she stood for. Born and raised in the Portland, Oregon area, Jan graduated from Sherwood High School and as a young mom chose to continue her education at the collegiate level, earning her BS in Elementary Education from George Fox University in 1992 and an MS in Education (Middle Grades) from Western Oregon State University in 1998. Teaching at Duniway Middle School in McMinnville, Oregon gave wings to her passion for students and education, a love that would deepen throughout the remainder of her career. Jan transitioned to educating teachers at George Fox University in 2007, where she strengthened and directed the MAT program. Always pushing herself further on behalf of the profession she treasured, Jan earned her EdD in Education from Portland State University in 2010. She later moved to Marylhust University in 2012 as Chair of the Education Department, where she joined an amazing team of educators who quickly became her lifelong colleagues and friends.

Jan’s professional career was exemplary, as she was a celebrated teacher, a strong scholar, and a tireless advocate for education, especially those students and teachers at the middle level. Her work was published multiple times, including three edited books, and she continued to showcase her enthusiasm for education as she served on and led a variety of university, state, and national committees and organizations; for example, AMLE Professional Preparation Advisory Committee (past Chair), the Portland Metro Education Partnership, and the Oregon Mid-Level Consortium. Jan never stopped learning and teaching, and the lives she impacted---family, teachers, students, so many of us---are a precious part of her legacy. Her passion will continue to flourish as we move forward on the solid foundation of what she has taught us about life and loving.

Jan is survived by a devoted family---son Matthew Carpenter (Julia) of Medford, Oregon; mother Shirley Carpenter of Tigard, Oregon; brother Dave Carpenter of Birkenfeld, Oregon; and sister Karen Pratt (Kent) of Sherwood, Oregon. She is also survived by nieces Kristi (Dustin), Kelly, Kimmy, and nephew Kevin.

Jan’s faith was strong. Through her illness she remained positive and happy and praised Jesus. Not a single person can remember Jan Carpenter without seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, or feeling her love. Her support team of friends and family were truly cherished and contributed to the happiness she shared in her last years. A memorial service will be held at Marylhurst University, St Anne’s Chapel, April 15, 2018 at 3PM where we will celebrate a life well lived.

To leave an online memory, thought or prayer for the family, please send an e-mail to: [email protected].

In lieu of flowers Jan has requested that donations be made to the Portland Providence Cancer Research Center Foundation: Melanoma Research. https://appsor.providence.org/giving/?funds=68