Marie Janson

Marie was born March 2, 1920 at her parents’ home in Greenacres, WA. Marie’s father, George Blackman, was originally from Des Moines, IA, and her mother Blanche (Callison) Blackman was originally from Spokane, WA.

Marie had one sister, Donna (Blackman) Spaulding who resided in Honolulu, HI, until her passing in 2005.

Marie married Thomas (Tom) Hood Janson on November 18th, 1945 at the Christian Church in Rosalia, WA. They were married 64 years until Tom passed away February 1st, 2009.

Marie graduated from Rosalia High School in 1938, became certified as a Merle Norman cosmetologist and had a beauty shop for three years in St. John, WA, and later in Pullman, WA. From Rosalia, Marie and Tom moved to the Spokane Valley where Marie worked for ACME Employment.

Marie’s mother, Blanche, took Marie to church every Sunday and Marie soon came to know Jesus Christ as her savior. She taught Sunday school, played the piano and sang in the choir. She also played the piano for her husband, Tom, while he sang for many church activities. Marie was also a member of the Sweet Adeline musical choir in Spokane.

During Marie’s early life, she resided in Spokane, Rosalia and St. John. Once married, she resided in Pullman, Rosalia (attended the First Christian Church), Spokane (attended the Berean Bible Church), retired in Leavenworth (attended Mountain Bible Church), moved back to Deer Park (attended Grace Church of Deer Park) and spent her final years under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Rick Ricci, Deer Park. She also had many friends at the Deer Park Senior Center.

Marie is survived by three sons, Dennis E. Janson (Beverly), Port Orchard, WA, Richard T. Janson (Emme), Loon Lake, WA, Randy P. Janson (Linda), Chula Vista, CA.

Marie has six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, Eric Janson (Amy), Gig Harbor, WA, (Grayson, age 10, Evan, age 10, Lena, age 10, Elsa, age 4.), Jill Janson, Port Orchard, WA, (Taylor, age 17, Makena, age 10.), Michealyn Carvalho Janson, Costa Mesa, CA, ( Randi, age 16, Reagan, age 8.), Mathew Janson (Kelly), Lake Forest, CA, (Levi, age 4, Payton, age 2.), Jeremiah Janson, Single, Irvine, CA, and Jordan Janson, deceased.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Janson, died February 1, 2009, her sister, Donna (Blackman) Spaulding, died 2005 and a grandchild, Jordan Janson, died October, 2005.

A graveside service will be held at 1pm Friday, January 6th, 2012 at Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines, Spokane Valley, WA. Pastor Ken Parker will conduct the service. A reception will follow at the Berean Bible Church, 10910 E. Boone, Spokane Valley, WA.

Memorial gifts can be made to Grace Bible College, http://gbcol.edu/ OR send gift to: Grace Bible College, 1011 Aldon St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49509

“We can be young in heart and mind, to others we can yet be kind; Sing songs of praise to God through tears, and grow in grace through all our years. We cannot avoid growing old but we can avoid growing cold.”