Janice Hudson Nielsen, 67, died at home Oct. 5, 2014, with family members close by. She had battled cancer for two years and was receiving home hospice care.
Janice was born Dec. 24, 1946, in San Diego, the eldest daughter of Harriette (nee Swalm) and James Hudson and grew up in nearby Imperial Beach. Beginning at age 11, Janice shouldered major responsibilities (cooking, shopping and caring for her three younger siblings) while both of her parents worked full time. Janice obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Diego State University in 1968, where she later obtained her teaching credentials.
Janice married Bob Nielsen in 1968 and raised two daughters with her former husband while he was in the US Navy and later worked for a defense contractor. They lived in California, New Jersey, Spain, Texas and Oklahoma before moving to Oak Harbor, Wash.
Janice taught third and fourth grades in an open classroom setting at Crescent Harbor Elementary School from about 1989 until her retirement in June 2012. She deeply appreciated and enjoyed the friendship and support of her fellow teachers, both professionally and during her final illness. Janice had served continuously as an officer in the Whidbey Highlands Homeowners Association for many years and will be sorely missed by her neighbors.
Janice is survived by her daughters, Stephanie and Kristin Nielsen of Olympia; her grandson, Connor; and her partner of 12 years, Col. John MacNamee, USMC (Ret). Also surviving are sisters, Linda Hudson (Jon Spangler) and Lorna (Robin) Trout; her brother, Jim Hudson; niece, Jaime Trout; nephew, Adam Trout; and many beloved neighbors, friends and school colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network C/O National Headquarters, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
A memorial service for Janice is pending. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To offer condolences and share memories, please visit Janice’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
