Janet Spain Spoor

1926 - 2014

1926 - 2014
Janet Spain Spoor left this world in Salt Lake City, UT on January 18, 2014. Gracious, beautiful and loving, Janet was born in New York City to Dr. Will Cook and Grace Jones Spain on October 19, 1926. She attended Smith College where she graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. On a weekend trip to Dartmouth College, she met the love of her life, William Howard Spoor. They were married in New York City on September 23, 1950 and embarked on what was to become an extraordinary life. Their first years were spent together in New York City and Chappaqua, NY where they began their family. In 1962, Bill was transferred to Minneapolis, MN by his employer The Pillsbury Company. There, they thrived for over forty years. They put down strong roots and became pillars of their community. When Bill was elected Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Pillsbury Company in 1973, he was widely quoted as saying that Janet "Was the perfect wife and partner for this endeavor." The two of them went hand in hand in everything they did. Janet was devoted to her family and friends and believed strongly in giving to others. Our mother loved people. She had an amazing memory for names, faces, places and events that was present until the day she died. She was elegant in both her manner and style. Genuinely kind and thoughtful, she was also generous to a fault. She loved to laugh, had a big, soft heart and a beautiful, engaging smile. She was an outstanding cook and threw large, elegant parties and served delicious food she made herself. She adored all animals and spoiled her pets (as well as her children) terribly. In order to be closer to their children and grandchildren, Janet and Bill moved to a hilltop in Salt Lake City where they enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the Wasatch Range with views of the city below. She delighted in feeding the deer and birds that flocked to her gardens. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and they all benefitted from her love and devotion. She was a member of numerous boards including The Center for the Study of The Presidency, University of Minnesota Nursing Foundation, Planned Parenthood of Minnesota and The Madeline Island Music Camp where she was honored by the establishment of the Janet Spain Spoor Scholarship Program. She is survived by her husband William H. Spoor, her children Melanie Grace Spoor, Cynthia Field Spoor (Douglas Howard), William Lincoln Spoor (Sarah), six grandchildren: Charles Spoor Howard, Anna Grace Howard, Blakely Madison Spoor, Savannah Spain Spoor, William Walker Spoor and Lincoln Campbell Spoor; her sister Joann Spain Rasmussen of Walton, NY and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She had an immense impact on all who knew her and will be missed beyond words. With deepest gratitude to Dr. Anne Pendo, Becky Christensen, Claire Anderson, Lesila Kolomalu, Sue Christopherson, Dr. Jane MacPherson and the staff at Quality Solace Services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. A gathering of close friends and family is planned for a later date.