Janet Lee Sousa

1937 - 2011

Jan Sousa, a longtime resident of Hermosa Beach, CA, passed away peacefully in her home on June 19, 2011, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Kent, OH, Jan moved to California at age 19. She became a flight attendant at Western Airlines and enjoyed traveling. Jan married John Sousa of Providence, RI, in 1961, and they had two children, Pam and Michael. Jan had no greater joy than her children and was very involved in all of their activities, including soccer, swimming, basketball, volleyball and other beach sports. Her beautiful smile and suntan attested to her love of being outdoors. For years, the Sousa home hosted many get-togethers, such as Christmas Eve parties, Thanksgiving feasts and barbecues with family and friends. Jan loved dining out and having a glass of good Chardonnay. She worked at TRW as an administrative assistant for 25 years. After retiring in 1999, she volunteered at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, the Beach Cities Health District and the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop. She worked part-time for the cruise lines for over five years. She remained active into her seventies, playing golf and taking walks on the Strand. She was courageous in her battle against cancer. Her unbelievable strength and feisty wit during her illness will never be forgotten. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. Her memory will endure in all that she loved: her family, good friends, gorgeous sunsets, champagne and vanilla bean ice cream. Jan is survived by her daughter, Pam, and her son, Michael, both of Hermosa Beach; sister, Carole (Harry) Card, of Lomita; five nieces and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raldo and Gilda Decapito. Her family has planned a private celebration of her life. They ask that donations be made to Cancer Support Community-Redondo Beach, 109 West Torrance Blvd., Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; and to please note in the memo, "In Memory of Jan Sousa." Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.