Janet A. La Fave

1938 - 2017

Born Janet Arlene slater, Janet grew up in Albert Lea Minnesota and moved to California in the early 1950’s. Jan had an amazing career expanding many gratifying and unique positions within the Whittier area. Besides raising three accomplished daughters, she was a Teacher’s Aide in the Lowell Joint School District Special Needs program at Lowell Elementary; Public Relations Director at Hinshaws; Marketing Director at Whittwood Mall; Customized Training Coordinator at Whittier Adult School; Student Coordinator with World Service of Rowland Heights; owner of Fashionable Oui and Bridal Broker in La Mirada; and co-owner of Dejan’s in Uptown Whittier.

Janet spent many years volunteering with the local PTA, La Habra Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Soroptimist International, American Heart Association, Whittier Uptown Association and Whittier Chamber of Commerce, having served as President in 1993-1994.

Janet loved spending time gardening, painting and drawing, traveling, reading and spending time with family. She loved to iron, believing wrinkles were not acceptable. An avid animal lover, Jan raised Great Danes and Chihuahuas. In her later years, she was seen with her adored dog Thunder, and later her little dog Mia. She instilled the love of nature’s beauty in her daughters. She believed in family first, always interested in the many activities of her daughters and grandchildren.

Janet is survived by her three daughters; Shiela O’Brien of Boston, Patricia Tully of Mission Viejo, and Virginia McClellan of Fullerton, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Harold Slater and Gladys Whitney, brothers Ralph, Roger and David Slater, sisters Marion and Dorothy, and husband Vince LaFave.

She is to be interned in private graveside service at Rose Hills Cemetery. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a date to be determined. In remembrance, donations in her name are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the National Alzheimer's Association.