Janet Claire “Jan” Sebens died suddenly at her home in Oak Harbor on July 31, 2008. She was born Jan. 6, 1947, to Alger and Rena (Van Malkenhorst) Sebens. She was raised in Everson and graduated from Nooksack Valley High School. Jan attended Hope College in Holland, Mich., receiving her bachelor’s degree in physical education and then taught physical education at Holland High School, where she served as the girls basketball coach for three years.

Jan decided to return to Washington State and accepted a teaching position in Pasco, where she remained for the next two years. Jan left the classroom for a time and returned to college. She received her master’s degree in school counseling from Western Washington University and was then hired by the Oak Harbor School District as a middle school counselor. Jan worked for Oak Harbor for the next 31 years as a counselor, retiring in 2005.

Jan loved the out-of-doors. She enjoyed rafting, kayaking, hiking, golf, reading and doting on her nephews. To celebrate her 60th birthday, she traveled to Japan and climbed Mount Fuji with one of her nephews. Jan had recently accepted a position at the Gallery Golf Course at NAS Whidbey, which allowed her many more opportunities to play golf.

Following her retirement, Jan purchased a home in Goodyear, Ariz., and became a snowbird. She also served as a volunteer board member for Help House for many years. Jan’s primary focus was her church and her faith. She was an active member of the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

Jan is survived by one brother, Kenneth Sebens of Oak Harbor, two sisters, Jayne Lovvorn of Oak Harbor and Susan Driver of Lincoln City, Ore., and her mother, Rena Kenoyer of Bellingham. Her father preceded her in death.

Memorial services for Jan Sebens will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church with the Rev. Jerry Buss officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at Greenacres Cemetery, Ferndale, Wash. The family suggests memorials be made to the Oak Harbor Education Foundation or the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.