Janice Speth

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Janice Speth, who died peacefully at her Roseville home in the early hours of February 17th, 2025 at the age of 89.

Janice was born on 12/24/1935 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Dorothy and Francis Stinson and was the eldest of 12 children. The family moved from South Dakota to California when Janice was a young girl after her father discovered winters in California to be far more enjoyable than those in the Dakotas. Initially moving to Richmond, the family soon relocated to Sacramento, planting deep roots where most of the extended Stinson family still call home.

Janice attended and graduated from Saint Joseph's Academy, serving as May Queen in 8th grade. Her first job was working the switchboard while enrolled at Sacramento City College. Graduating from Sacramento State University in 1958, Janice started teaching 3rd grade at Nicholas Elementary School before transferring to Edward Kembel. She retired from O.W Erlewine after teaching kindergarten there for decades. The importance of play, creative exploration and cultural exposure guided her through a long, impactful, and satisfying career.

Janice met her husband of 57 years, John Speth, at a church dance when he was new to Sacramento. Despite repeatedly introducing him as John Smith, they ultimately wed on 3/21/1964. Together, they raised three children, visited all US states and Canadian provinces, renovated an old farmhouse, planted an orchard, kept an annual garden, and over time raised chickens, cows and peacocks. Loving life partners, John and Janice complemented each other wonderfully in life, as different in approach as they were similar in values.

Janice was a force of nature, guided by her Catholic faith, a commitment to service, and her lifelong role of big sister. She was deeply committed to social justice and equality, striving to make the world a better place through volunteering, activism and contributions. At home, Janice was exceptional in her skill in cleaning, not once at a loss for the perfect solution to any spill or stain. Never one to idle, if Janice was sitting down, chances were she was half way through a crossword or cryptogram. An engaged learner taking classes through The Renaissance Society and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), she encouraged education at every opportunity. Janice changed lives around her, with an appreciation of the importance and social impact of early childhood education, she fostered a contagious love of reading. She also delighted in creating seasonal magic. It was not uncommon for neighbors to find a little gift and chocolate waiting on their doorstep each and every holiday.

Janice is survived by her children, Cecilia, Will and Frank, her grandson Caidan, her siblings, Mitzi, Tom, Mike, Tim, Jerry, Stephen, Mary, Brian, Dan, and Sarah, as well as many nephews and nieces. Janice was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents Dorothy and Francis, her sister Susan.

A memorial service to remember both John and Janice will be held on Saturday April, 5th at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd. To honor John and Janice, the family encourages acts of kindness.