Janeen Johnson

Elinor Janeen Anderson Johnson, beloved mother, aunt, grandmother and mentor, died peacefully and comfortably in her sleep with her daughter Sherry by her side early Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at her home in Glenwood Place, Vancouver, Washington just 4 days before her 90th birthday. Janeen was born on November 7, 1931 in Sioux City, Iowa to Norman and Elizabeth Anderson. She attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, graduating in 1949 and then went on to become a speech pathologist, earning a BA (1953) in Speech Correction for Elementary Education at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. She was a lifelong MSU football fan. In 1974 she earned her degree for Master of Science in Education from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. She further earned a certificate in English as a Second Language from Portland State University in 1987. In 1953 she married the late Earl Tanner Johnson III. The US Army stationed them at Kagnew Station in Asmara, Ethiopia (now Eritrea), where she taught 2nd grade to the children of the base. Janeen and Earl took a safari with Volkswagens throughout the area, which was filmed. This film was later used as an educational tool. When the war for Eritrean Independence threatened Asmara, steps were taken in 1973 to bring a young 17 year old student, Ghrmai Mebrahtu, to the United States to finish his education, and he became a cherished member of the family. Janeen's career as a Speech Pathologist began in Illinois in 1953. She continued her career in Medford, Oregon in 1959 in the regional schools. After moving to Grants Pass, Oregon in 1965, she established the Easter Seals Speech and Hearing Clinic. Relocating to Portland, Oregon in 1978, she was Speech Pathologist for the Portland Public School System, then became head of the Speech Services for PPS Head Start Program. Throughout her career she helped numerous children, adults and their families with speech obstacles and communication challenges. She loved her work and the community loved her back. In retirement Janeen was active in a variety of charities throughout the years. She enjoyed volunteering for the Friends of Battle Ground Library, and the Oregon Symphony, Clark County Food Bank, and especially the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt, Washington, among many other activities. She assisted newly arrived refugee communities in how adjust to life in the United States, for instance how to shop in an American supermarket. Throughout her life it was important to her to help others in need in many capacities. She was well known for her passion for wildlife, especially giraffes. Janeen traveled to over 45 countries in her lifetime, meticulously journaling each trip. Janeen also authored several helpful published pamphlets and articles, including "Games for the Perceptual Preschooler", and "Helpful Hints for Living with a Halo Brace." Janeen was a participant in local theaters. She had a lovely singing voice and was cast in several local musical productions, and her fine mezzo soprano rang out in church choirs, particularly West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Janeen was a gourmet cook, an accomplished bridge player and an avid golfer. She loved to read and to snorkel. She was a Scout den mother, a Brownie leader, room mother and provided a ready listening ear and a bite to eat to many neighborhood children. She survived many serious physical traumas and illnesses in her life through her remarkable resilience and stamina. She recovered from multiple neck, spine and pelvic fractures - of the 206 bones we have, she recovered from over 100 fractures and breaks, and beat five cancers including colon and breast. One of the indelible lessons she taught, through example, was the power to overcome obstacles through positivity, spirit, grit and determination. Yet the devastating effects of smoking were not generally known in her younger years - she quit in the 80's for good. As valiant as she was in overcoming her many injuries and illnesses she lost the battle to her final diagnosis of COPD. Janeen is survived by her brother, James (Nancy) Anderson of La Crescent, Minnesota, nephews Tim and Scott Anderson; son Mark (Barb) Johnson of Portland, Oregon; Ghrmai Mehbratu (Mana Kahssay) of Renton, Washington; daughters Sherry (Scott) Pendarvis of Happy Valley, Oregon and Beth (Steve) Hilyer of Ludlow,Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Earl Tanner Johnson III, second husband Dick Sweeney, and partner William Young; and one grandchild. She will be missed so very much, and it is difficult to accurately sum up her life in print. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Clark County Food Bank (Vancouver, WA), African Wildlife Federation (https://www.awf.org or a charity of your choice.

Janeen Johnson

November 7, 1931 - November 3, 2021