Janet McMillan Otterman

Janet (family nickname, “Janie and Gigi”) was born on December 7, 1935, in Riverside, California, to Donald R. and Grace McMillan. She attended schools in Riverside, graduating from Poly High, Riverside City College, and was a member of the first four-year graduating class from the new UC Riverside Campus in 1958.

Upon graduating from UCR she went to work in the personnel department of Security Pacific Bank for two years, then decided to continue her education. She applied to law schools at UCLA, USC, Hastings and UC Berkeley and was accepted at all four, but decided to attend Boalt Hall School of Law in Berkeley. She was enrolled in the class of 1963, and was one of only 6 women of the class of 300 to graduate, passing the bar on the first try.

She had always dreamed of returning to Southern California to practice law, but she soon found that was not going to be that easy. She was actually told by a partner in a large firm there that if they were going to hire a woman, they would hire her, but there weren’t hiring women. Faced with that situation, she applied for employment with the State of California and was hired by the State Board of Equalization as a tax lawyer in Sacramento.

Janet moved to Sacramento in 1964 and she enjoyed working across the street from the capitol building. At times she was the only woman on a staff of twenty-two lawyers. In 1973 she purchased a home in Old Land Park, and resided there for the rest of her life. One of the best parts of her move to sacramento was meeting and working with Charles (Chuck) Otterman. They surprised the staff at Chuck’s retirement party by announcing that they were being married on November 19, 1976, her first marriage.

Chuck went into private practice and Janet continued working for the Board of equalization. They enjoyed traveling to Europe, the British Isles, and to Hawaii. Unfortunatley their happy marriage was cut short by Chuck’s death from cancer in 1981. Having taken a leave of absence during Churk’s final illness, she decided not to return to sate service at the end of that leave period. Thereafter she practiced a little law out of her home and enjoyed socializing with good friends. Knitting was always a passion of hers and many friends were the recipients of her knitted gifts. She also loved reading, going to Sacramento Kings games with her beloved grandson, Craig (he provided the tickets, she bought him dinner beforehand), playing an occasional game of trivia, and just generally enjoying life.

Another benefit of her marriage to Chuck was the acquisition of a ready-made family. She then had stepson, Jack, and his wife, Sheila, and their two children, Craig and Teshala.

She wanted a special thanks to Reyna Islas and Meli Galindo who where invaluable in the last weeks. Thanks also to Drs. Gregory Smith and Roberts.

She is survived now by her sister, Marilyn Tolson, of Corona; nephew, Barry Tolson (Lisa); grandson, Craig R. Thayer; and his sister, Teshala. Janet died peacefully on August 7, 2021 at her home surrounded by family and friends. At her request, no services will be held.

Arrangements are under the care of Harry A. Nauman & Son Funeral Directors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the Otterman family.