Janet Mae Spidell

Janet Mae Spidell 12/30/1932~10/30/2007 Our beloved Janet died October 30, 2007, after an intense three-month battle with cancer. In the moment when she left us, the sun shone, and a golden eagle flew low over the house to guide her on her way. She was born December 12, 1932 to Harold and Ervinne Helms, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She graduated with a Baccalaureate of Science in Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin, and was hostess of a popular television program. She married Frederick N. Spidell in 1958, then bore and raised daughter Julie and son Eric. Fred died, also of cancer, in 1982. Jan spent the last 22 years in the companionship of Marlow Quick, spending half of each year in Salt Lake City and the other half in La Quinta, California. When in Utah, she was a daily presence in the lives of her son and daughter, and her grandchildren, Dylan and Ginna Lu Davis. Jan and Fred were skiers-they hauled the kids out west to the big mountains every year when they lived in Milwaukee and in Washington, D.C., and it was Wasatch powder snow that spurred their move to Utah. But Golf was Jan's athletic passion-she played year-round until the week before her illness was discovered. She was a member of the Salt Lake Country Club, where she rarely missed a Tuesday Ladies' Day. She and Marlow were also members at PGA West in La Quinta. Jan was a consummate shopper-a buying mission with her was a lesson in planning, preparation, and efficiency. She always knew when and where to find the best deals on the best goods. She and her family would be well dressed and well fed as long as she had her way. Intelligent and pragmatic, Janet was sometimes misunderstood. Her honesty and propensity to "tell it like it is" could be taken for brusqueness, and her brand of humor-a sophisticated sense of irony with a deadpan delivery-could be perceived as sarcasm or missed altogether. But she was sensitive, caring and sympathetic. She has supported her children and doted on her grandchildren for every minute of their lives. She has cared for Marlow as his health has waned. A few minutes after receiving the news that her disease would surely kill her, she was thinking of the doctor. "That poor man," she said, "Can you imagine giving people news like that every day?" And, even in her final hour, she took care of those she held dearest, holding on long enough for one last good-bye. Words can not begin to say how badly we will miss her. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ervinne Helms, and husband Frederick N. Spidell. She is survived by her sister, Donna (John) Griesbaum of Sanibel, Florida; daughter, Julie (Sam) Davis, grandchildren Dylan and Ginna Lu Davis (Salt Lake City, UT); son Eric (Monique Wood) Spidell, Nicole Wood (Salt Lake City, UT); long time companion Marlow Quick (Salt Lake City, UT); close nephew Jim (Gina) Pettegrew; and legions of extended family, in-laws, and friends. Our heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Janet: Dr. Jana Kolc, for her compassionate humanity; the RNs and their staff in the OR, ICU, 4 West, and ED at St Mark's Hospital; Salt Lake Cancer Specialists; Care Source (hospice care), especially Debbie Einfeldt, RN, for her timeliness, knowledge, skill, and caring attentiveness to Janet and all of those around her; and, finally, to sweet, wonderful Velma Rodriguez, who cared for and comforted our Jani in her final days. A memorial reception will be held Tues. November 6th, 6-8 p.m. at Salt Lake Country Club, 2400 Country Club Drive (2400 S. 2300 E). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: National Ability Center Staff Development Fund, P.O. Box 682799, Park City, UT, 84060. Please visit Janet's online obituary and guest book at www.serenicare.com