Janet Helen Stephenson

Janet Stephenson passed away Saturday, February 5, 2011 at her home in Everett’s Washington Oakes community, where she had lived since 2005. Janny was born January 16, 1932 in Everett.

Sharing love, friendship and fun was a personal priority through her 79-year lifetime. Janny had a heart of gold with an endless capacity for love which resulted in countless life-long friendships. She was truly one of a kind.

In the final days of Janny’s short battle with cancer, notes poured in which were posted on her bedroom wall enabling her to absorb the love and comfort all these friends hoped to reciprocate. Numerous visitors held her hand, shared stories from the past and even sang the Everett High School fight song together. In one conversation two young friends told Janny how she had been “Aunt Janny” to so many people; how she made them laugh, and how they loved her for that. Janny replied “that was my mission, and now it is up to the next generation to carry on.”

The daughter of the late Edwin and Helen Templeton of Everett, Janny is survived by her sister Mary Veva Ingram of Everett; sister-in-law Patricia Ingram; niece, Susan Ingram Mackey (Geoffrey Mackey), of Calgary, Alberta; nephew, William Templeton Ingram (Melissa Ingram), of Howell, New Jersey, grand nieces, Lee Melissa Ingram, Sarah Patricia Ingram and Drew Thompson Mackey, and grand nephew, Connor Templeton Mackey. Preceding her in death were her husband, Ernie (Steve) Stephenson and her brother-in-law, William Ingram.

Janny was a graduate of Everett High School Class of 1951 where she was a member of TNT and later an advisor. She was a skilled photographer and took many pictures and portraits of friends and family. Janny enjoyed cooking and was well known for her deviled eggs, aspic salads, casserole and Jell-O creations. Her love of food extended to her career as an employee of the Providence Hospital cafeteria kitchen.

An important part of Janny’s life for a number of years was her participation in activities at the Stillaquamish Athletic Club, where she swam and developed many long-time friendships. A sports fan, she attended Seattle Storm basketball, Mariners and AquaSox baseball and Washington Oakes employee team games where she was known to be an enthusiastic fan.

Janny was always up for a road trip, whether north to Canada, south to Oregon or all points of Puget Sound with girlfriends, husband Steve and Washington Oakes friends. She had a life-long love for animals, consistently maintaining a membership with the national Humane Society. Her family fondly remembers her favorite pets Little Cat and Kris Woo.

Janny was a member of KAPS (Kidney Auxiliary of Puget Sound); Group 3, Providence General Children’s Association, and a past member of Ladies Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Eagles. She was an office volunteer for Providence Hospice for a number of years and also served with the Washington Oakes A-Okay Committee. One of her recent responsibilities with A-Okay was helping with the popular “dunk tank” at the Washington Oakes Summer Carnival.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff at Washington Oakes for their compassion and professionalism. Their care was exemplary and greatly appreciated. Providence Hospice and All About Care provided an immediate and caring response to assist Janny at the end of her life. A special thank-you to “Team Janny” who helped in so many important ways during this emotional journey: Jeanne Metzger, Anne and Jack Fischer, Clyde and Judy Pitcher, Elaine Soriano and Kris Hausmann.

The family welcomes all of Janny’s friends, neighbors, acquaintances, supporters, fans and caregivers to attend A Celebration of Janny’s Life. The event will take place Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Everett Golf and Country Club 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. To appropriately reflect Janny’s fun-filled approach to life the family encourages you to wear colorful clothing, bring photos, memorabilia and stories reflecting your personal friendship with “Aunt Janny.” Brief words of comfort and remembrance will be shared along with snacks, beverages and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Providence Hospice & Home Care of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Ave., Everett, WA 98201, or Washington Oakes A-Okay or Employee Assistance Fund, 1717 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201.

Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home, Everett, WA.

DIRECTIONS TO EVERETT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB:

Southbound Directions: (Green)

I-5 South to Exit 192 (41st St/Evergreen Way)

Bear Right (West) onto 41st St for 0.5 mile

Turn Left (South) onto Colby Ave for 1 mile

Turn Right (West) onto 52nd St SE for 1 Block

Turn Left (South) into Everett Golf & Country Club

Northbound Directions: (Yellow)

I-5 North to Exit 189 (Mukilteo/Whidbey Is Ferry)

Merge onto SR-526 (West) for 0.5 mile

Continue towards Evergreen Way Ramp for 0.2 mile

Turn Right (NE) onto Evergreen Way for 1.9 miles

Turn Right (East) onto 52nd St SE for 0.3 mile

Turn Right (South) into Everett Golf & Country Club