Janice Marie Furst

Janice Marie (MacTavish) Furst, 73, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away on March 25, 2020 from pulmonary fibrosis. Janice was predeceased by her parents, James (Jim) and Martha MacTavish and her brother Jim MacTavish. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, LCDR David E Furst, USN retired; her daughter Michele Lynne Furst; and her grandsons, Mason Alexander Furst Johnson and Wyatt Montague Johnson. Janice (AKA Sam) was born in Windber, PA on April 3, 1946. She grew up in Johnstown, PA attended Bishop McCourt High School, and then transferred to Westmont High School graduating in 1964. She worked as a secretary at Wilson Construction Company until February 1965. On February 27, 1965 David and Janice eloped to the Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. Their daughter, Michele Lynne, was born on December 3, 1965. Jan was the proud daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter, and niece of coalminers. Loretta Lynn’s song “Coalminer’s Daughter” became one of her favorite songs and commemorated where she came from, telling stories of her father’s work in the mines. Jan was known to her southern friends and family as “Sam”, a nickname given to her by her husband many years ago. Virginia Beach was home for Sam and her family since 1970. Sam was the proud wife of a naval officer and would spend many months separated from her husband while he was deployed all over the world. The ham radio became a great way for Sam and Dave to communicate with each other. After Dave retired, Sam and Dave traveled to Florida and back to Virginia every 3 to 4 months. Sam loved Nascar races, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Elvis Presley. Sam was best known for making peanut butter fudge for her family and friends. Michele was the number one daughter until Mason and Wyatt were born. The “boys” as they are referred to were Sam’s grandsons. There was an indescribable bond between Grandma, Mason, and Wyatt. She was proud of Michele and her grandsons for completing their educations and becoming successful in their careers. Sam requested not to have a funeral or church service. A celebration of life will be organized by the family to be held at a future date.