Janice Mae Luce, age 78, passed away September 4, 2012, at The Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, WA, where she was treated with loving care and dignity. She was born March 21, 1934 in Hoquiam, to Dena Louise and Norman Clair Godfrey. Janice grew up in Hoquiam where she and her sisters were a mischievous team. Their escapades were some of her fondest childhood memories. In 1949, the family moved to Toledo, OR, where she graduated from high school in 1952. She soon moved back to Hoquiam, the town she loved her entire life.
Janice was a strong, hardworking and thrifty homemaker before opening her own business in 1983. With her “can do” attitude she owned and operated 7th St. Consignment in Hoquiam for 20 years. A champion for the underprivileged, Jan was humbled when she was nominated for the city’s Citizen of the Year award. Soon after leaving 7th St. Consignment, she was anxious to get back to work and interact with friends in the community. In 2005, Jan and sister, Mary Whitehall, opened Finders Keepers Thrift Shop in Hoquiam. Medical challenges in 2009, forced her into retirement, but her stubborn determination and fierce independence remained.
Good hearted beyond her means, Janice believed in sharing whatever she could spare and was happiest when helping others. A home-style meal was always on the stove to feed whoever walked through her door. Jan lived simply and uniquely, and loved her cats and constant companion, Labradoodle, Buddy. She was fun-loving and famous for her quick wit and riotous sense of humor, taking great joy in making others laugh. She was a lifelong member of the VFW and an active member of SIGHT. Janice’s grandchildren enjoy reminiscing about many good times—trips to “their spot” behind The Humdinger where they fed the birds, Grandma’s card playing shenanigans and receiving their “each dollars”. Other cherished memories include lunches at The Oriole Café, sharing buckets of KFC, trips to Hoquiam’s cemetery to learn about their family tree, and shopping sprees in her store. They chuckle recalling how Grandma Jan taught local cashiers the proper way to count back change. Along with family and friends, they fondly remember campfires and collecting beach treasures at the cabin on the Sound. Above all, they will never forget that Grandma always gave more than she had. A proud, loving mother and grandmother, devoted sister and friend, Janice was deeply loved. Our hearts ache as we say good-bye. Janice will be missed by her four children, Cindy Basich (John), Kelly Olson (Arnie), and Kiko Carstensen (Brad) of Vancouver, WA, and Paul Pendergraft Jr. of Hoquiam; and her stepchildren, Stephen Luce (Renee) and Carol Merrill. Janice treasured her grandchildren, Paul Pendergraft III, Jamie and Ashley Davis, Eric and Julia Carstensen, Mylei Carlson (Steven), Gabriel Basich (Amanda), Elijah Page, Babette, Ahsha, Navarre, Falina and Richard Luce, and Desiree Williams. Jan loved to cuddle her four great grandchildren, Daeja and Charlie Bowman, Kenai Harris and Sabine Carlson. She is also survived by her dear sister, Mary Whitehall; sister-in-law, Dorothy Godfrey, brother-in-law, Allan Selberg, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Janice’s family extends heartfelt thanks to committed friend and caregiver, Cindy Wakefield of Hoquiam. Janice was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Clarence “Hoss” Luce; parents, Norman and Dena Godfrey; stepsons, Elliot and Richard Luce; brothers, Leland and Scott Godfrey; and sisters, Lois Tisdale and Kathy Selberg.
A potluck reception celebrating Jan’s life will be held September 29th, 2:00 p.m. at the Hoquiam VFW. Contributions in memory of Janice may be made to SIGHT Inc., c/o Dale Andrews, P.O. Box 151, Cosmopolis, WA 98537 or PAWs of Grays Harbor, P.O. Box 451, Aberdeen, WA 98520.
