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BORN
1945
DIED
2024
Janice Knaphus Obituary
1945 - 2024
Salt Lake City, UT-Jan was an extraordinary woman. She grew up in Seattle and Idaho Falls, and lived her whole adult life in Salt Lake City, where she brought her joyful can-do spirit to everything she did. She was an adoring mom, grandma, wife, sister, and friend to everyone she met (even if she had only known them for 10 minutes). She served her community in her career as a social worker and as a sewing teacher. She loved the outdoors and was a very talented seamstress and fiber artist. She passed away peacefully at home, having lived with cancer for many years. She is survived by her husband Martin, siblings Ron and Carlene, children Simon and Emily, son in-law Eric, grandchildren Oliver, Yafeu Akke, Annika, and Cleo, and family members Joddy, Devin, and Macallan, and a large extended family and circle of friends, all of whom she loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness. Donations in her name may be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
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Memories and Condolences
for Janice Knaphus
6 Entries
Lisa Clement-Fisher
April 5, 2024
Dear Knaphus family,
I was blessed to know Jan and considered her a dear friend. She was such a strong, compassionate, intelligent and caring lady. She will be missed by many, she touched so many lives. I hope you find comfort in the knowledge that she is free from pain and afflictions. She powered through them with grace and humor. I will miss her contagious smile and her love of life and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Lisa Clement-Fisher (her hygienist and friend)
Reta Oram
April 3, 2024
I was the lucky one to hire Janice at the Bureau of Licensing for the Department of Human Services. She added so much to her team and agencies with her expertise, professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm. We continued our association after our retirements, and was always a joy to chat with at parties, and share stories at Dan's. She loved her family, and especially her many adventures with the love of her life, Martin. I am so grateful she was in my life; I will never forget her kindness and contagious joy.
Riley Killoran
April 2, 2024
Knaphuses-
The years I spent as part of your family will always be a part of my DNA. Rarely in the years since have I met anyone as kind, as positive, as sincere as Janice. I know in this time, while you are unmoored, the way she lived her life will serve as your guide.
All my love.
Catherine Swanson
March 31, 2024
Oh man, my heart is broken. She was such a light. I´m so grateful she was part of my family.
Karen Thomas
March 28, 2024
I am so grateful to have had the chance to know and to love Jan. She was a tremendous force for good; so smart, funny, kind, and supportive. This feels so unfair and I wish things were different. I hold you all in my heart and I look forward to celebrating memories of how Jan made the world a better place.
All my love, Karen Thomas
suzanne Gardner Stott
March 28, 2024
I was randomly scrolling the obituaries and saw this lovely photo of Jan! I pushed the 'work' button, but I considered her a friend. She worked in licensing and I was the director of an adoption agency. I had high respect for her intelligence and integrity. She was such a joy to work with and once in a while I bumped into her independent of our professions. My son attended school with one of her children and that was another connection. I send my heartfelt condolences to all of you. This is such a loss. I hope you are gratified by the hope of being with her again. This Easter will be very meaningful to you. These words are written with much love. Suzanne Gardner Stott
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