Marian J. Frafjord, who loved to be called Janice by all that knew her, departed her loving family on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at Fieldstone Assisted Living in Olympia, Washington. Janice was born on May 6, 1930, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Fred and Berthina Johnson.
At a young age, her family moved from Wisconsin to Ocosta, Washington where she attended school. She later met the love of her life, Emil, at a Country Western dance in Aberdeen in 1949. They married on October 31, 1953, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Aberdeen and were happily married for 64 years before Emil passed in April of 2018. They lived in Hoquiam for 8 years before settling in the first of two homes that they built together in Montesano in 1962.
In 1954, they welcomed their first son, Keith, followed by their second son, Kenneth in 1958. Janice spent the boys’ early years caring for them and as a homemaker. She later worked for Craig’s Meat Service and Montesano Locker Plant. She had many hobbies that included gardening, canning, baking, bingo, bowling, clam digging, fishing, playing musical instruments, frequenting the casino, and most importantly, hosting family dinners and family from Norway. Once retired, Emil and Janice enjoyed traveling to many different destinations across the United States and also traveled to Frafjord, Norway.
She will be remembered most for her famous potato salad, canned pickles, homemade lefse and bread, potato dumplings, but most of all, her back rubs and the endless love and support she gave to all, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored immensely.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Emil; brothers: Harvey, Vernon, Lester, Arnold, Orrin Johnson, and sister Eileen Hubbard. She is survived by her sons Keith (Diane) Frafjord and Ken (Teresa) Frafjord both of Montesano; grandchildren: Karey Frafjord Johnson, Lindsay Frafjord Blumberg, Brad (Brittany) Frafjord and Kaylee (Daniel) Tobin; great-grandchildren: Travis, Cash, Brooklyn, Kaden, Eastyn and Emmersyn; sister-in-law Charlotte Johnson and cousin Lorna Neiworth, both who were like sisters to her; cousin Judy Johnson and her lifelong childhood friend, Blanche Neff.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Clara Shin and caregivers Tracey and Gretchen.
There will be a celebration of life on Friday, Nov. 18, from 12 to 3 p.m. held at the Montesano Moose Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Montesano Volunteer Fire Department or the Montesano Community Center.
