Janice S. Heberden

Janice Eileen Samuelson Heberden left earth to join all who loved her and went before -- including her husband, Rex -- on April 11, 2026 of natural causes.                                                                                                                                      
She was born a child of the good Palouse earth in the rural farmland of Troy, Idaho to Axel and Alice (Ferguson) Samuelson on September 23,1928. A dear sister, Kathleen Alice joined the family 5 years later.                                       
The family relocated to a rural setting on the edge of Pullman, Washington as Janice began her school years. She enjoyed a childhood of piano lessons and performances, Camp Fire Girls, stories spun by Axel at bedtime, joining her dad in his farming and gardening. Alice taught her sewing and cooking as they survived the rationing through the Depression. Education was always a paramount goal of her parents. After gratudation from Pullman High School, she began college at Washington State University. A handsome architectural engineering student asked her to dance and they began a lifelong dance, interrupting her college for a few years as their family grew.

Mom and Rex Lloyd Heberden were married May 19,1951. They welcomed Arlene in 1953, Marc in 1956, and Kenneth in 1959. Homes were in Spokane, Pullman, Tacoma, and finally, Bellingham.
Mom was a tireless wife and mother-- cooking the daily family meals, sewing family clothes, canning in the summer, teaching piano, being a Camp Fire Girl leader, tending outside gardening, and supporting the various interests of her family. In 1966 she returned to college and began her elementary school teaching career after graduating from the University of Puget Sound in 1968. She taught first and third grades. Her teaching passion was further fulfilled by teaching in the Head Start Follow Through Program and obtaining a Master's Degree in Education as a reading specialist from Seattle Pacific University. She taught a final classroom at age 75.
Her next favorite role was that of grandmother to Marc and Christine's children, Maurine, Joyce, and Clifford. She enjoyed travels to see Marc and family in their homes around Paris, France. She also travelled to see Arlene in South Dakota. Ken continued to live locally and was a constant support -- especially as he committed to her and Dad's care the final years of their lives. Mom and Dad finished their lives out in Bellingham, Washington.

Mom and her sister, Kathleen, worked for several years to update a family history for both parents started by their mother. They included information as they journied to various ancestral communities and homes. The books are treasured.                                                                                                                                                                                                
After retiring, Mom enjoyed returning to a rural life of gardening, quilting, reading, Wysocki puzzles, attending Rome Community Bible Church, family visits and supporting the grandchildren during their summer visits and then when they lived with her as they pursued degrees at Western Washington State University. It was always Mom and Dad's goal to support education and independence in their family. Mom lived at the Chuckanut Assisted Living in Bellingham since July 2024.

Mom was predeceased by her husband, Rex, her parents, Axel and Alice, and sister and brother-in- law, Kathleen and Rhys Hanson -- as well as all the dear grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family -- including Rex's family.
Mom is survived by her children, Arlene, Marc (Christine) and Ken. Marc and Christine's children: Maurine, Joyce, and Cliff. Also by her dear niece, Jill (Steve) Reinmuth and their children Kate Reinmuth (Stephen Van Wyck) and Sam Reinmuth.

Mom, you will rest in all of our hearts and memories as you also meet Dad on Heaven's dance floor. Your work is done. Rest in peace.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Rosewood Villa -- now Chuckanut Ridge -- Assisted Living for their loving care of both of our parents in their final years. Also, Whatcom Hospice which helped meet comfort goals for Mom in her final days.