Janice Dayle Todd

Janice Dayle Martin Todd was born on September 23, 1938 to Gerald "Ted" and Lois Martin in Hawthorne, CA. Ted and Lois had moved to Southern California during the Great Depression from Crofton, Nebraska. Jan was born in Hawthorne, Californa and her first home was in Hermosa Beach, CA. Over the years, as the family grew, they moved several times, but finally settled on Roselle Avenue in Hawthorne, CA. This house was a home to many over the years and Jan would recall blackout shades on the windows during WWII and her father, Ted, trading in gas ration stamps for shoes for herself and her Sister Judy.

At the age of 14, Jan had her first paying job. She took a bus to a nearby city to a dime store to wrap Christmas presents and then took the bus back at the end of the work day. In later teen years, she worked for her Aunt who owned a clothing store. During her high school years, she was involved in drill team and loved the weekend football games. After graduating from Leuzinger High School, she was married and had two children, Kelli Lynn Mitchell and Jerry Don Mitchell, Jr. She was a very loving and adoring mom, being a Girl Scout Leader and teaching vacation Bible School. She also opened a daycare in her home and "raised up" more children in her loving guidance, including two of her nephews, Jim Jr. and David. During this time, Jan enjoyed the family vacations and always added her own brand of fun to each trip. Easter Egg baskets and Birthday celebrations at the Colorado River were common place and always special for Kelli & Donnie (Jerry). She could whip up a delicious meal for many people and make it look easy.

Once her kids were in high school, she decided to take a job outside the home and she became an assistant manager at a credit union. In 1977, Jan was divorced. And at one of the credit union conferences, she found herself sitting next to one Norman Todd. Being the social person she was, of course she started talking to him. Turns out it was near the UCLA/USC football game and she asked Norm if he wanted to bet a six-pack of beer on the game. Norm took the bet... and it was when the payout of the bet happened, that they began dating. They were married in November, 1979. Their marriage brought together Jan's two kids with Norm's two kids, Julie Ann and Jeffrey.

Norm and Jan bought property in Anza, CA in the 1980's. Jan eventually retired from the credit union and moved to Anza permanently to watch over her mom. Norm continued to work several more years in the Hawthorne area prior to his retirement. Jan joined the Anza Thimble Club, set up a T.O.P.S Club and participated in other local activities. It was during this time that both Jan and Norm became active in the Anza Baptist Church. They both re-dedicated their lives to Christ there under the loving guidance of Pastor Bob Reese. Jan ran the food pantry for many years and worked on the finance committee. Norm did his landscaping magic around the church, loving his contribution to the beauty of the grounds.

During these years in Anza, Jan was happiest with visits from her kids and grandkids. Nothing would make her light up faster than the sight of grandkids Kerri Dawn Weitzel (Kutzner), Erin Angela Mitchell (Polanski) and Craig Bradley Weitzel. Her family continued to grow with the addition of more grandchildren through the marriage of her son to Elaine Mitchell. Jan was even able to know and love many of her Great Grandchildren and also met a recent addition of the 1st Great-Great Grandchild. When all were together, Jan would be in her element. Cooking, talking and giving her sound advice to anyone who asked.

In 2000, the kids and grandkids had gotten older, and Jan's mother had passed so they decided to movle to Hemet. There they "set up shop" and joined Hemet Valley Baptist church. Jan was involved in the Cookie Ministry and Norm in the landscaping. They quickly found a Church home there. They met friends and enjoyed spending time up at Silent Valley in the summers, when Hemet got so hot.

Continuing a tradition that was started in the late 70's, each year they would host "Pre Christmas" for the family a week or two before Christmas so that "no one had to rush". It is a beloved family tradition that always has much love, laughter and more than one or two "surprises". Youngsters and oldsters in the family have always cleared their calendars for the "Pre Christmas" date. Even this past Christmas (2014), when Jan was in ManorCare, the family gathered at a conference room there with Jan and did the Pre-christmas celebration.

Norm and Jan enjoyed 35 years of marriage together. They loved and supported each other as well as their families during good times and not so good times. On October 3, 2014, Jan fell ill and that began the nearly 9 months of trials that led to her passing into the loving arms of God on June 27th 2015. She is enjoying her just rewards in heaven and we all know she will continue to watch over us, love us and send her gentle advice from above.