Dec. 16, 1938, Joseph and Ethel Libbey gave Coupeville its beloved daughter Janice Libbey Coffman.

Janice was born the fourth of five children, she shared a childhood of adventures with Marilyn, Wayne, Lyla and Lealand. She was raised surrounded with extended family creating memories in Coupeville; a tradition that she continued when she started her own family.

Throughout her life Janice and her sisters have been a trio of support, guidance and love for one another, laying an example for a pack of strong Libbey women to follow.

Janice married in 1957 and soon started her young family of three daughters, Stacy Kay, Janet Lea and Linda Rae (Rob Johnson). For 35 years she gave selflessly to the 4-H program through her work with the Island County WSU Cooperative Extension Office. She touched countless young lives with her spirit and passion for learning through 4-H. In her later years with the program Janice was honored with induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

On New Year’s Day 1978 she married Everett Coffman and welcomed four more children into her life Sherrie (Bob Scott), John (Denise Coffman), Judy (Fred Andrews), and Teresa (Tim Wilhelms). As Janice and Everett’s family grew they continued to create a beautiful life in Coupeville full of love and laughs for future generations. As a true Whidbey Islander, Janice enjoyed spending most of her time near the water, clam digging, beach bathing and enjoying campfires with good company.

Janice was a super hero in the eyes of her 10 grandchildren: Jaclyn, Nicole, Krystal, Haley, John, Laura, Dana, Taylor, Tyson and Gracie, and two great grandsons, Christian and Cameron. She made it her life’s passion to teach them confidence, kindness, perseverance and the right way to make a bed.

She had a love for the past and an ability to bring her heritage to life for her family. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington and encouraged the preservation of her history.

Janice lived and loved Coupeville from the time she was born. She never left the beauty and serenity of this place. A two-time cancer survivor, she was a fighter from the start in her life and finally lost a 30-year battle with illness at 71 years old. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family.

A service for Janice was held Sept. 13 at Living Hope Church in Coupeville. The family asks that donations be made to the 4-H program at the Island County Cooperative Extension office at P.O. Box 1500, Coupeville WA, 98239. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.