Janice Ethel Blackwood

Janice Ethel Blackwood (née Loucks) passed peacefully at the age of 96 on December 20th, 2023 in Yorba Linda, California, in the company and care of her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Born in Rochester, MN on September 15, 1927, Janice was the eldest daughter of Laurel and Kenneth (KW) Loucks. Her beloved sister, Arlyss, predeceased her on June 8, 2019.

In 1928, Janice moved with her family to Southern California from Minnesota. She met her husband, Charles Dale Blackwood (2/25/28-07/02/02), in 1946. They married on August 15, 1948. After she married Charles, she became the bookkeeper,office manager for Loucks- Blackwood Equipment Rentals, while Charlie ran the heavy equipment.They had three daughters, Beth, Cari, and Stacy. Janice and Charlie were married for 53 years until he preceded her in death after many years of illness.

Janice loved quilting, beading, playing cards with friends, and singing in the church choir. She had an impeccable eye for design, color, and composition, and filled her house with a stunning antiques collection. Her incredible assortment of quilts and decor rotated for every season and holiday. She was an active member of Yorba Linda United Methodist Church for the majority of her life and she served as a registrar for the Girl Scout Association for 40 years, in addition to working at Bank of America.

Her house was the heart of her large family, hosting gatherings and holiday celebrations over 50 years. More than 20 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren would come to know and love her home, filling the space with laughter and joy. She was steadfast in her faith and a servant to her family and community. She was a creative and talented woman who was one of the original owners of The Calico House. Her love for her craft was contagious, and she inspired many people to take up sewing.

Janice is survived by her daughters Beth (Bob Lathrop), Cari (John) Simonsen, and Stacy (Joe) Griffin as well as her grandchildren Derek (Madeline), Clinton (Rochelle), Kasey (Ilham), Rae (Dayvid), Lauren (Brooke), Kara, Sam, Joelle (Paulo), Sarah (Gustavo), Seth, Angel, Josh and great-grandchildren Cole, Charlotte, Donovan, Leland, Nikolai, Luca, and Reese.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at The United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM. 19002 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Light snacks will be served afterwards.

In lieu of flowers a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html