1939
Janice
2016
Janice May Bland
January 18, 1939 — May 6, 2016
Janice May Bland was born in Bellingham, WA to William and Lilly Bland on January 18, 1939. She died at home surrounded by family on May 6, 2016, ten years to the day after her mother’s death. She was 77.
As a young girl, she delighted in playing in the parks, woods and vacant lots of small-town Bellingham. By the time she was a senior in high school, the budding beauty was named a Blossom Time Princess. A bride at nineteen and a mother of four by twenty-six, Janice treasured family above all things. She will be remembered by her daughters as the center of the universe, a force of nature and the dispenser of wisdom. Janice had an eye for style which she imparted on her girls. She had impeccable taste and a flair for interior design, gardening and selecting the perfect paint color. She was an extraordinary hostess and made holiday meal preparation look effortless. She spent countless hours babysitting and attending to the needs of her beloved grandchildren, but drew the line at standing in the rain at soccer games.
Janice’s favorite season was fall. She cherished her many life-long friendships. Janice also had incredible parking karma, won more than she lost at the casinos, loved her extended stays at the Maui El Dorado and was always good for lively conversations over a cup of coffee. She considered MSNBC’s Rachael Maddow to be her fifth daughter.
Janice is survived by daughters, Carrie Gaasland (Gordon Braun), Cindy Willis (Joel), Katie Bechkowiak and Kelli Conrads (Dolph); six grandchildren, Maxwell, Molly, Andrew, Sam, Jack and Sophie; brother, William Bland; and sister, Kristi Anderson (Richard). The family would like to express thanks and gratitude for the wonderful care provided by Whatcom Hospice and Shuksan Convalescent Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janice’s name to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225.
A Celebration of Janice’s life will be held 12 noon, Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Westford Funeral Home with a reception following at the Broadway Hall.
As a young girl, she delighted in playing in the parks, woods and vacant lots of small-town Bellingham. By the time she was a senior in high school, the budding beauty was named a Blossom Time Princess. A bride at nineteen and a mother of four by twenty-six, Janice treasured family above all things. She will be remembered by her daughters as the center of the universe, a force of nature and the dispenser of wisdom. Janice had an eye for style which she imparted on her girls. She had impeccable taste and a flair for interior design, gardening and selecting the perfect paint color. She was an extraordinary hostess and made holiday meal preparation look effortless. She spent countless hours babysitting and attending to the needs of her beloved grandchildren, but drew the line at standing in the rain at soccer games.
Janice’s favorite season was fall. She cherished her many life-long friendships. Janice also had incredible parking karma, won more than she lost at the casinos, loved her extended stays at the Maui El Dorado and was always good for lively conversations over a cup of coffee. She considered MSNBC’s Rachael Maddow to be her fifth daughter.
Janice is survived by daughters, Carrie Gaasland (Gordon Braun), Cindy Willis (Joel), Katie Bechkowiak and Kelli Conrads (Dolph); six grandchildren, Maxwell, Molly, Andrew, Sam, Jack and Sophie; brother, William Bland; and sister, Kristi Anderson (Richard). The family would like to express thanks and gratitude for the wonderful care provided by Whatcom Hospice and Shuksan Convalescent Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janice’s name to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225.
A Celebration of Janice’s life will be held 12 noon, Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Westford Funeral Home with a reception following at the Broadway Hall.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Janice May Bland, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Starts at 12:00 pm (Pacific time)
Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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