Janet Elizabeth Birkeland, 50, died in her sleep on Nov. 10, 2005 at her home in Bellingham. She was born March 24, 1955 in Copenhagen, Denmark. She followed her father’s career with the U.S. Government and traveled the world, living in Denmark, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Liberia, Washington, D.C. and finally to Washington state.

Janet graduated from Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Va., and then attended Western Washington University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She began a 14-year career as a teacher for the Bellingham School District, spending most of her time at Birchwood Elementary School. For the past few years, she had been teaching pre-school and substituting in the Ferndale School District.

Janet was a free spirit. She was always a friend to those in need and liked to take care of others. She enjoyed gardening. Most of all she loved teaching and she loved children.

Janet is survived by her son Joel Patrick Ahearn Birkeland of Bellingham; by her father Paul M. Birkeland of Oak Harbor; by three sisters, Lesley Reifsnyder and husband Jim of Woodbridge, Va., Carla Birkeland of Mukilteo, and Ann Garton of Port Orchard; and one brother, Paul R. Birkeland of Bozeman, Montana. Her mother Harriet J. Birkeland preceded her in death.

Memorial services will be held at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Laurie Johnson officiating. Cremation was held with private family inurnment. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.