Janet Louise Erickson

Janet Rowe EricksonSept. 24, 1952 – Nov. 23, 2024

Janet Louise Erickson, 72, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, November 23, 2024, at Aegis of Bellevue, (Overlake) in Bellevue, WA

Born on September 24, 1952, in Aberdeen, WA, to Howard J. and Juanita T. (Ayres) Rowe. Janet was the embodiment of kindness, strength, and grace. She graduated from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen in 1971 and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Grays Harbor Community College, where she was a top student. It was during a summer job with Aberdeen Parks and Recreation that Janet discovered her lifelong passion for working with children, a calling that would guide her through much of her life.

On August 25, 1973, Janet married the love of her life, Michael J. Erickson, at their family church, Aberdeen Presbyterian. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on mutual love, respect, and unwavering support. Together, Janet and Michael raised two wonderful sons, Justin and Adam, and shared a life filled with joy, adventure, and deep devotion to each other. Janet’s role as a wife and mother was at the core of her being, and her family was always her greatest treasure.

In 1986, Janet, Michael, and their two young sons moved to Olympia when the family business, Harbor Wholesale Foods, relocated to Tumwater. While embracing their new home in Olympia, Janet rekindled her passion for education. She attended St. Martin’s University in Lacey, WA, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1991, and a master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1995. Janet was a lifelong learner who believed in the power of education, and she spent many years enriching the lives of students as a teacher at Garfield Elementary School in Olympia, where she worked until her retirement in 2011.

Janet had a deep love for life and a zest for adventure, that was evident in everything she did. She was a lifelong lover of horses, beginning her training in English-style riding at an early age and cherishing the memories of riding at her great-grandmother’s farm, with the guidance of her Uncle Kitty. Janet's dream of attending the Kentucky Derby was realized in 2013, when she had the joy of experiencing the 139th running of the race—a testament to her spirit of embracing life’s possibilities.

Her family was blessed with her incredible cooking, and she was affectionately known as "The Pie Lady." Janet’s home-cooked meals and delicious pies became a symbol of her love for those she cherished. She took great joy in sharing meals with her children, grandchildren, and friends, and many will remember her for the warmth and care she put into every dish. Janet also had a deep love of reading and was an active member of a mystery book club, where she formed friendships that spanned decades.

Janet was passionate about the outdoors, and her adventurous spirit led her to enjoy hiking, running, biking, skiing, swimming, and golf. She spent many memorable days with family and friends at their second home in Lake Chelan, WA, where the beauty of nature matched her own. Janet’s travels took her to incredible places, including a bicycle tour through Tuscany, Italy, hiking in the Swiss Alps, and a barefoot sailboat cruise through the British Virgin Islands. Each trip was filled with the joy of discovery and the joy of sharing new experiences with loved ones.

Janet’s legacy is one of love, joy, and generosity. She was a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, and a proud grandmother. She was the heart and soul of her family, and her strength, kindness, and love will continue to inspire those who knew her. Janet is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Michael J. Erickson of Olympia, WA; two sons, Justin Erickson (married to Alexis) of Olympia, WA, and Adam Erickson (married to Ziying) of McMinnville, OR; a sister, Judy A. Rowe-Reault (married to Greg) of Pasco, WA; and four grandchildren, Charles, Abigail, Leah, and Astrid Erickson.

A funeral service to celebrate Janet's life will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.

A message of condolence or a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.