Janice Lucille Peplinski died Jan. 14, 2010, at her home in Oak Harbor. She was born in Hanford, Calif., on March 24, 1945 to Anthony J. and Lua J. (Gomes) Alves.
Janice graduated from high school in Hanford and attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif. While attending college, she met a fellow student, Dieter Peplinski. Love blossomed and on April 23, 1965, Dieter and Janice were married in Hanford, Calif.
Janice began married life as a Navy wife and followed Dieter’s military career as their family began to grow. They were stationed in Italy, Texas, Virginia, California and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.
Janice and Dieter arrived in Oak Harbor in 1987. Dieter retired from the Navy and they moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., to care for his elderly parents in their final years. With the death of Dieter’s parents, the Peplinskis returned to Oak Harbor in 2004.
Janice’s priorities in life were church, family and music. She was a very devout Catholic and an active member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Oak Harbor. She was devoted to her husband, children and her grandchildren. She blessed all those that entered her home with her gift of cooking. She loved to cook and try new recipes, making even the hardest things sees simple. She was a member of the Oak Harbor Senior Center and attended the Spanish language classes at the center. She loved to collect antique furniture and had a passion for music, playing the piano and cello. Janice was a blessing to all those that knew her.
Janice is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dieter at the family home; three children, Kenneth J. Peplinski and wife Anne of Colorado Springs, Christopher A. Peplinski of Oak Harbor and Anthony J. “Tony” Peplinski and wife Amy, also of Oak Harbor; five grandchildren, Ryan Santiago of Jacksonville, Fla., Nicholas Peplinski and Brett and Joshua Fanslow, all of Colorado Springs, and Andrew, Brook and Lydia Peplinski, all of Oak Harbor; one sister, Maureen Weincko of San Diego; and one brother, Michael Alves of Hanford, Calif.
Funeral Mass for Janice Peplinski was celebrated Jan. 20 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church with Rev. Philip Raether as Celebrant. A reception followed in the Parish Hall. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
