Janice Helen Fortier Sarvis
On the evening of November 24, 2015 Janice passed away quietly in her sleep. At the time of her death she was residing in Evanston, Wyoming where she had recently moved. She was born January 30, 1932 in Portland, Oregon to Oliver and Lillian Fortier. She joined an older sister, Barbara Jean. Many holidays and summers were spent at her favorite place in the world, Tillamook, Oregon, home of her Aunt Emma Groat.
She attended Ockley Green Grammar School and graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland. After graduation she attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. She was a member of the Gamma Phi sorority which she remained active in for the remainder of her life.
While at college she met her future husband Jim Sarvis and they were married September 8,
- After Jim graduated, they returned to Portland where their first daughter Helen Lee was born and five years later they welcomed their second daughter Jeanette Marie.
Jan was active in bowling leagues and leading her daughters’ Camp Fire Girls group. She also loved to get together with friends to play bridge.
Seeking a slower life style, Jim and Jan relocated to Helena, Montana in 1968. When her daughters were older, she joined the workforce, becoming head housekeeper at the Masonic Home of Montana. She loved her job and became very involved with the residents, planning parties where she dressed in costumes celebrating holidays with them.
Later in life Jim and Jan traveled and took many memorable trips to Mazatlan, Mexico and her home of heart, the Oregon Coast.
Jan was a breast cancer survivor and walked in the Race for the Cure annually with her daughters and grandchildren. Even when she was unable to walk in the race she could be seen cheering on the racers from the sidelines. She was also an active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Portland and St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral in Helena.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents Oliver and Lillian, sister Barbara Bertlin and her mother and father-in-law Effie and Lyle Sarvis.
She is survived by daughter, Helen Lee Reposa (Mike, Gary, Mindy, Kerry, Jon and Kris) and Jeanette Marie Vogl and her husband Paul (Amy, Sara and Jason) and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to start at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 4th, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the funeral home. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison after the reception. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Breast Cancer charities. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Friday December 4, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 4, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Friday December 4, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday December 4, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Friday December 4, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 4, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Friday December 4, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday December 4, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Crystal and Todd Vogl says
We are so sad to hear of your loss. We have many great memories of Jan. She was a wonderful lady that was very proud of her family. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Nicole Hanni says
I am so sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you guys in our thoughts.
Ron and Nicole Hanni
Linda Cameron says
My condolences to all of Jan’s family and friends. I have missed her smiling face and words of wisdom in Helena. RIP dear Jan. I can just hear and see her bringing order to her new resting place …… and planning her next excursion!
Linda Cameron
Diane Pedersen says
I am sorry to learn that Jan passed away. We knew Jan and Jim through the post office where Jim and my husband worked. We attended many postal events and shared many good times with Jan and Jim. Deepest sympathy to your family. Diane
Peggy Audie says
Jeanette,
I am so sorry for yours and your families loss of your mom. I have fond memories of our Junior High school days of her taking us on wonderful picnic’s around Helena & making the best fried chicken ever, with Kellogg’s Corn Flakes! She was a wonderful mom who gracefully survived our teenage years. May the fond memories you have of her help you through the pain of your loss.
You are all in my heart & prayers. Peggy, Spokane, WA.