Janet Marnella Hansen was born November 3, 1933 in Bend, Oregon to parents Clarance and Evetta Hansen. Her arrival followed that of her sister, Marlene. Her father worked for the local lumber mill, her mother was part owner of a popular burger joint in town. Her early years in Bend were happy ones. Plenty of play time during the day and evenings spent with her family listening to the great radio programs of the era, talking, laughing, and learning.
When Janet was 9 years old her family moved from Bend to North Portland, near Columbia Park. Her mom’s extended family lived near by so Janet and her sister Marlene spent lots of time with not only their grandparents, Nellie and Martin Wise, but also their beloved great grandmother, Margaret Holman who had immigrated to the United States from Sweden. Janet treasured this time in her life and took great pleasure in recalling the many memories, and fantastic stories she’d been told.
Janet graduated from Roosevelt High School and not long after went to work for Blitz Weinhard Brewery in Portland, OR. where she served as Bill Blitz’s secretary. Blitz Weinhard in the 1950s was a fun place to work. Again, many great stories and happy memories. It was during her time at Blitz Weinhard that she caught the eye of Robert “Bob” Sprint, a second generation Brewery employee who was at that time driving delivery trucks. Janet and Bob enjoyed weekends on the river, and time with their families. They were married in 1958.
In 1960 Janet and Bob bought their first home together on Morgan Street in North Portland. A year later Janet became pregnant with her first child. She couldn’t have been more thrilled! To Janet, being a parent (and later a grandparent) was life’s highest honor and greatest reward. Though financially challenging for Janet and Bob, they decided she should leave Blitz Weinhard and become a full time mom. Her son John was born in January 1962. Three years later, in September of 1965 she was blessed with a second child, a beautiful baby girl they named Erica.
Shortly after Erica was born Janet and Bob moved out of North Portland to the Parkrose area and it’s excellent school system. Bob was moving up at Bliitz Weinhard and Janet was in her element as a mother. She made everything special for her children, who grew up with a carefully crafted combination of devoted support and the kind of guidance that would serve them well in the years ahead. Knowing how important her grandparents, and great grandmother had been to her early years, she made sure John and Erica had the same wonderful experiences with their grandparents, who they adored.
Janet and Bob divorced in the late 1970s. This was not an easy time for Janet. After nearly two decades of being a stay at home mom she had to re-enter the workforce, downsize to a much smaller house, and work very hard to make ends meet. She did all of this while successfully shielding her children from the difficulties she was experiencing. In 1980 John graduated from high school, and a year later left home for the United States Marine Corps. Erica graduated from high school in 1982, but stayed home to attend college. Janet remained very close to both John and Erica as they transitioned into adulthood.
In the mid 1980s Janet became reacquainted with a high school sweetheart, Bob Scull. Janet and Bob were married in 1986. Bob’s work often took him around the country, and the world. Janet frequently traveled with Bob, spending time in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and other cities stateside, as well as many destinations in Europe. She especially loved the time she and Bob spent in London, Paris and Italy. Times were once again good for Janet. Her kids were doing well in their careers, and she’d found true love with a very special man.
In 1996 Janet was blessed with her first grandchild, Kory Snuggerud. Three years later his brother Kole was born and Janet could not have been happier. She relished her role as their grandmother and did everything she could for them. Weekends at the beach, and trips to Disneyland along with long talks about the importance of family, goals, and personal integrity. Kory and Kole spent a lot of time with Janet and Bob while they were growing up, and nobody enjoyed it more then Janet.
In late 2005 Janet and Bob divorced. However, Janet never stopped loving Bob, and they remained close in the ensuing years. Janet continued to enjoy traveling with her friends and was a big country western music fan. She spent as much time as she could with her grandsons, and with her son John, who had returned to Oregon after living in Southern California for many years. She was in good health until shortly before her death and made the most of each day by staying active with family and friends.
Janet passed away on October 18, 2017 at her son’s residence in Wilsonville, OR. John was at her side, Elvis was singing gospel music, and she was at peace. Janet’s life was about family, friends and doing for others. She had a terrific, self deprecating sense of humor, a sharp mind and great wit. She was a lot of fun to be around. She is survived by her children and her grandchildren. Her son John and “The Boys”, Kory and Kole are her legacy. They, along with the rest of her family and friends will miss her greatly.
A private memorial gathering will be held to celebrate Janet's life and memory.
Janet will be laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens of Portland, OR.
Please visit the guestbook portion of this memorial and enter a special message or memory.
Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to Red Cross Disaster Relief fund - www.redcross.org
Arrangements entrusted to Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Directors of Portland, OR (503) 292-6611
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18