Janice Marie Slater, aged 74, of Estacada, passed away on January 21, 2025, at a local hospital.
Born on April 3, 1950, in Portland, Janice was the third child and second daughter of Helen and Darrell Slater. She was born with a full head of bright red hair perpetuating a family distinction dating back to her great grandmother, Linna Chamberlain. Being a redhead informed her character throughout her life. She proudly flaunted those ginger tresses at every opportunity.
Janice spent her childhood in Portland until 1963, when the family moved to Prineville. She graduated from Crook County High School and studied at Oregon State University. In 1974 Janice moved back to Portland and began her career in the beauty industry. She was a hair stylist at Lipman & Wolfe Co. in downtown Portland.
Her son, Andrew was born in 1969. Another son, Aaron was born in 1975.
Janice demonstrated a dedicated spirit of service and leadership as a Zoo Guide volunteer at the Oregon Zoo. A lifelong animal lover, she served in the “Keeper Talk” program in the butterfly and insect habitats. In 2007 she chaired the Mentoring Committee and co-chaired special events such as the Bowling for Rhinos and Howl-O-Ween. She also co-chaired the 2007 Summer Concert Series and Commitment Review Committee.
After being the full-time caregiver for her mother, Janice reinvented herself as a “mountain woman” when her mother died in November, 2006. She moved first to Brightenbush and later to Estacada, where she immersed herself in community service and church participation.
Those are the facts of Janice’s life. Here is what made Janice Janice: she was fiercely loyal. She did everything she could to help a friend in need. She never knew a stranger but found common ground for conversation and laughter with everyone she met. She had an infectious laugh, which spread a happy spirit throughout every gathering. She was eternally optimistic, always looking at the silver lining when clouds appeared. She put her heart and soul and very being into the Lord’s hands. She was a treasure.
Janice is survived by her son, Aaron Nelson; three cherished grandchildren; and her siblings, Kathleen Sabel, Dennis Slater, and Patrick Slater. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Andrew Slater and her parents, Helen and Darrell Slater.
A celebration of life service will be held April 4, 2025, at Clackamas Valley Baptist Church 29275 SE Eagle Creek Rd, Estacada OR 97023. Service at 11:00 a.m. followed by luncheon and reception.