Janet W. Deever

Janet Deever, 78, of Tempe, passed away peacefully on March 4th after a long illness. Janet was born to Clarence and Emelie Williams on June 4, 1933, in Oakland, CA. She graduated from Cal Berkeley & received her Master's Degree in foreign languages. Janet had a long career in education, teaching Spanish at the high school level mostly at Tempe High, and Spanish and Italian at the college level at Cal Berkeley, ASU and Mesa Community College.

She touched the lives of countless students who will no doubt miss “Signora Deever” greatly.

Besides her passion for education, Janet loved traveling, telling jokes, and eating out with friends and family. She was a regular at several restaurants in Tempe where her easy laugh and gregarious nature made her a daily special. She took numerous trips to Europe where she honed her linguistic skills and helped others appreciate the beauty of different cultures and languages. Once Janet came to town, she was never forgotten. Nor will she be now.

Janet was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clarence and Emelie Williams, and infant

daughter Myrna. She is survived by daughter Melissa (Sean)

Stephens, sons Nelson (Liza) & Mason (Betty), brother Johnny (Roni) nieces Victoria and Noreen, nephew Jerry, and grandchildren Ashley, Malone, Garrett, Geary, Riley, and JJ.

We want to thank everyone at Bella Vista and especially Golden Years for making Janet's last moments of life so happy and peaceful. A Celebration of Life for Janet will be held on Sat. May 26th at University Presbyterian Church. Exact details to be announced closer to that date.

Arrangements entrusted to Carr-Tenney Mortuary, Tempe, Arizona