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BORN
11/14/1963
DIED
08/09/2012
Janella OLINGER Obituary
OLINGER, Dr. Janella Lyn
(Age 48)
Lost a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma on August 9th, 2012 at her home in Golden, Colorado.
Janella was born on November 14th, 1963 in Spokane Washington, the third daughter to Jim and Jannette Olinger. By 17 years of age, she had graduated from both West Valley High School and Spokane Community College with an Associate's Degree as well as a 4.0 GPA. She was accepted to the number one school of pharmacy, University Of California, San Francisco, and to date is the youngest student to ever enroll at UCSF and graduate with a Pharm.D. Her 30-year career began in California, took her across the world to Saudi Arabia for five years and landed her back in Colorado by 1996. Her position in Saudi allowed her the liberty to travel extensively and she took every advantage of this opportunity to explore the ends of the world. She was also an accomplished diver who dove the waters of the South Pacific, Thailand, Australia and especially loved the diversity of the Red Sea.
Janella left her legacy by elevating the bar in her profession. Her 1000's of colleagues across the world would easily testify to her brilliance. All the students she mentored over the decades still talk about how much they benefitted from her teaching. When she transitioned from hospital pharmacy into industry, first with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and then most recently Allergan, she continued to receive awards and recognition for her high level performance. She excelled in trauma and critical care medicine at St. Anthony's Central Hospital. In addition, as a Board Certified Specialist in TPN she was an invaluable resource to all hospitals in the Denver area, including University Of Colorado, Children's Hospital and Exempla Lutheran.
Janella had a host of hobbies and many activities she enjoyed. She started snow skiing at a very early age on Mt. Spokane with her father and two older sisters. She continued to ski into and through her adult life at many resorts including Tahoe area, California and all of the local Colorado resorts. She traded in her skies for snowshoes when Saas Fee, her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, came into her life. Janella was an accomplished gymnast in junior high. Other more domestic activities included gourmet cooking, quilting, flower gardening, landscaping, interior design and painting. She then decided she needed yet another goal and purchased a Baby Grand piano and spent much of the last decade learning to play.
Janella was magical with kids. She was the Pied Piper of her neighborhood, and known for her ability to entertain and hostess many gatherings that included all ages. Janella was so small in stature and yet led such a magnanimous life. Her laughter was contagious to all who heard it and the silence will now be deafening.
Janella is survived by her 9 year old, Bernese Mountain Dog, Saas Fee; her two sisters, Janiene Rise and husband Kevin Rise, Jacalyn Olinger and husband John Chapman; and her younger brother, James Olinger II and wife Michele Olinger. She also has four nieces, Jenniephier Rise, Chandra Lodl, Mikaela Lodl, Natalie Olinger, and her only nephew, Jaried Rise. She also leaves behind many extended relatives. Her friends are simply too many to mention and they span the globe. All who knew Janella adored and cherished her and her loss makes this world seem a little empty for all of us. She was preceded in death by her parents and Jim and Jannette Olinger.
Memorial services will be held in Colorado and Spokane, Washington as follows:
1. Evergreen Lake House located at 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen, Colorado, 80439. Time of the services will be on Sunday, August 19th, 2012 at noon -3pm. Lunch will be served at the venue.
2. Foothills Community Church, 11102 North Forker Road, Spokane, WA 99217, Saturday, Sept 1st, 2012, starting at 11am. Lunch will be served.
For those who want to donate, in lieu of flowers, the Janella Olinger Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established in Janella's memory. Contributions may be made at www.inwcf.org on-line or by check payable to Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INWCF), 618 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA 99201-Phone #'s 509-624-2606 / 888-267-5606 please note "Janella Olinger" in check memo.
Janella requested her ashes be distributed over Herman's Gulch which was her favorite hiking/snowshoeing location to take Saas Fee to.
Thank you for the incredible support of friends, neighbors and family in this time of need. We all helped each other through Janella's untimely passing by giving and taking strength when needed. Please sign Janella's Legacy guestbook through " target="_blank" rel="nofollow, noindex" class="obit-text-link">http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/spokesman/guestbook.aspx?n=janella-olinger&pid=159261039&cid=full
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janella OLINGER
Sponsored by Kevin&Janiene(Olinger) Rise Family.
Janiene (Olinger) Rise, Sister
November 12, 2025
14November2025
Here we are again celebrating your birthday and remembering the love & joy that you gave to so many of us. I am grateful for the memories of you that help ease the pain of missing you every day. I was reminded a few days ago, by Vivian, of the great trip that we made to the Puget Sound to dig clams & pick oysters with you, Vivian & Susan. Our Cousins, The Twogoods, Bud, Sue & Jerry were wonderful hosts & guides. Bud made his trip to Heaven in July this year, leaving Jerry as Patriarch of the family. If they have gooey ducks in Heaven, maybe you & Bud can please save me some. :) Time is is getting closer for when I will see you again as the prophesies are being checked off more & more. Most recent is the Red Heifer.
It's time to turn on the Manheim Steamroller Christmas music in your honor.
Love you baby sister.
Jill Morris
November 15, 2024
Thought of our beautiful Janella throughout Thursday - her birthday - miss her deeply and think of her often.
Janiene, Sister
November 14, 2024
14November2024
Another year gone by remembering our amazing Janella.
Miss you every day, little sister.
You will always be remembered with love and adoration.
Susan
August 12, 2024
I still miss you dearly. We had great moments and memories.
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Vivian Brown
August 12, 2024
Still think of her. Still miss her.
Janiene, Sister
November 14, 2023
14 November 2023
This would have been the big 60 for Janella!
I hope that there is a big celebration happening in Heaven.
We are left with all of Janella´s beautiful memories and are so very grateful for each and every one of them.
Miss you every day, little sister. You will always be remembered with love and adoration.
Peggy Showalter
November 15, 2022
Still think about Janella often, especially on her birthday.
We used to always get out the Manheim Steamroller around this time. Great memories...
Vivian Brown
November 15, 2022
Still miss you, Janella.
Jill Morris
November 15, 2022
Remembering my very special and dear friend Miss Janella - not only on her birthday today but always. Her infectious laugh, that gorgeous smile, her kindness and amazing generosity. I miss you darling buddy and thank you for our memories that are so so special to me. Happy Birthday beautiful lady!
Janiene (Olinger) Rise
November 14, 2022
Remembering Janella not just on her birthday but every day. It's so hard to believe that it's been 10 years since Janella went home to Jesus. Every day is hard without her but we cling to the joy that she provided for so many while she was here with us. Janella's love and joy that she shared with us lives on in her memory. Missing you baby Sister but grateful to know that we will be together again.
Susan D Campbell
August 15, 2022
It's hard to believe it's been almost 10 years. I miss our talks and trips together. Our group in San Francisco was a memorable trip. RIP!
Jill Morris
November 16, 2021
I am a few days late getting to the computer but Janella, you were in my thoughts on your birthday as you are so very often. I can still hear your infectious laugh and see that gorgeous smile and every now and then, I look back at the photos of the many precious times we spent together in Saudi, Aussie and NZ. You are so missed and so many of us around the world cherish our wonderful memories of you. Keep laughing up there our beautiful eternal Janella. X
Vivian Brown
November 16, 2021
Thanks for keeping her memory alive, Janiene. She was so much fun and a huge part of my memories. Love to you, Vivian
Peggy Showalter
November 15, 2021
Every year on your birthday, I get out the Manheim. Miss you still.
Janiene Rise
November 12, 2021
Another year without you Janella but you are still in our hearts and on our minds and you will always be, every day. For your birthday this year you´ll have Sherry Toms to help you celebrate. I´m sure that you and SaasFee were at the Pearly Gates to welcome Sherry into to Heaven last February 2021. I heard that she had a brain aneurysm. I´m betting that it´s been quite the good times since Sherry joined you! I can picture you giggling together the way that you did out on your deck and in your kitchen.
I know that your friends miss you getting everyone organized for girl´s get togethers like visiting wineries or clamming, oystering and gooie ducking. I´m sure that you are picking out the best spots for future get togethers.
If you were here today, you would probably be figuring out how to compound Ivermectin for use against COVID. Here in the US, we can´t get it any other way. You may have even figured out something even better. You were so brilliant and wise.
Love you baby Sister. We will always remember you.
Vivian Brown
August 28, 2021
Every year. I'll never forget you.
Janiene S Rise
November 14, 2020
Remembering Janella on her birthday this 14th of Nov. 2020. This year we are still missing you but glad that you aren't having to see where this world is going. Grateful to know that you are safe in the arms of Jesus! The day that Jesus returns draws nearer and the signs are becoming more frequent & bold each day, If you were here, you would be helping to cure this COVID19 and the COVID21 that is coming in the new year. These are epic, Biblical times and I miss you, your wisdom, your whit and most of all your laugh. Love you baby Sister. We will remember you always
VIVIAN BROWN
August 12, 2020
Still miss you Janella. You were so very good about getting us all together and I miss our good times. You did so much in your 48 years and made every minute count. So glad I could be a small part of it (both personal and professional lives), both in Saudi and here at home. Love to you always and I will never forget you. Vivian
Janiene Rise
November 14, 2019
14November2019 would have been another birthday and we are still missing our precious Janella. I'm betting that there is some kind of super special birthday party in Heaven today! We will always remember how Janella brought so much joy to so many and how she could light up any room with her contagious laughter. Sometimes when I remember her laugh I can't help but giggle myself....so in that way, Janella is still with us in the wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. Janella was loved so much by so many.Each year Janella's birthday reminds me to start playing the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas songs in memory of Janella. Here is a link to Mannheim Steamroller on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnfG0S2WjCI
We will always love you Janella!
Vivian Brown
August 12, 2019
Remembering you always, Janella. You set a great example in your profession, and I watched you always and learned from you. I think of you often, cherishing the time we did have and all the old laughs and crazy things done in Saudi. The years are passing and I miss you a great deal. You were gone too soon for sure; such a loss to so many people and workmates, Love to you always, Viv
July 29, 2019
I was Janella's next door neighbor in Genesee and just found out about her passing yesterday and am shocked. I have so many fond memories of Janella, including when we went through the blizzard of 2002(?) when my son was little and we had no power for a week an 7 ft. of snow. We helped eachother through that storm including using my snowblower and aimed it the wrong way - dumping snow into my garage. We called it "Lucy and Ethel start the snowblower!" I remember her excitement when SaasVee was a puppy then grew into a beautiful dog. I miss you, Janella.
Karen Lambert
Janiene Rise
November 14, 2018
Today, 14Nov2018, would have been your 55th birthday. Had you have been able to hang on a few more months, you would be here today as President Jimmy Carter & many others are now beating Melanoma & is now common place to survive this horrible cancer. You were one of a kind & will not be forgotten! We Love you Janella!
Vivian Brown
August 6, 2018
I agree, Susan! Janella, you made things happen and kept us doing interesting things. I will always remember you and cherish your friendship forever. Have a good conversation with Doug up there. Love to you and to you also, Janiene.
Susan Campbell
August 5, 2018
I miss you dearly Janella. What wonderful times we had at King Faisal and all the adventures we had together with "the Girls". Have a brewsky with Barry. ❤Susan
August 10, 2017
fred
Vivian Brown
August 10, 2017
Very nice memory of Janella, Janiene. Despite working with her for years--and being her friend for many more, I didn't realize or know that she had graduated at such a young ago. So she was both accomplished AND humble.
I'm so sorry she is gone and I also can't believe it's been 5 years. I remember times with her so fondly and all she did to get several of us together every year or two for a fun reunion. She made things happen!
Thinking of you and your loss of family. Vivian
Janiene Rise
August 9, 2017
Missing Janella today.
It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years without her. I sometimes wonder what the world would look like today if she was still here. As teenagers we lost our dear Grandma Irene Mae Fox to Ovarian Cancer & in a news paper article in the Spokesman Review & Spokane Daily Chronicle on May 18, 1981 written about Janella & her amazing academic accomplishments at the tender age of 17, Janella had said "I want to help discover a cure for cancer." She wasn't able to accomplish that because her life was cut short but she changed so many lives for the better with her wisdom, smile, contagious laughter & her love that she overflowed with. As far as I know, Janella is still the youngest ever accepted & Graduated from the University Of California Doctor Of Pharmacy School. Accepted at 17 & graduated at the age of 21. Her brilliance shines on in the memories that we have of her.
Vivian Brown
November 14, 2016
Saw something of mine yesterday mentioning Janella's birthday. It brought back a flood of memories and how important it is to remember someone. For if we do not make an imprint in life, I have to question if any of us will be remembered. Janella took the initiative on so many things that brought us together and I always loved her Saas Fe Christmas cards, all of which I have still. I so appreciate her being part of my life--I'll think of you always. Vivian
November 14, 2016
We will always remember. Time to get out the Manheim Steamroller for Christmas. Miss her much.
Janiene Rise
November 13, 2016
November 14, 2016
Remembering Janella every day but especially on her Birthday.
We miss you, precious Baby Sister!
Janiene (Olinger) Rise
December 22, 2015
Remembering Janella at her favorite time of the year, Christmas!
Janella sent out the most amazing Christmas Cards with the re-cap of her year. It was always full of her worldwide adventures & SaasFee.
Janella's favorite Christmas music was Mannheim Steamroller & she played it loud & long. As I was remembering & missing Janella I came across some YouTube videos. I'm including a couple of links in case that anyone who loved Janella wants to join us this Christmas season in remembering our most wonderful JANELLA. (It can't take the place of Janella's Christmas Cards & Letters but we pray that it will warm your hearts as you remember all of the great times & of course, Janella's unforgettable love & laughter.
Mannheim Steamroller - Christmas Extraordinair - Full Album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6-LMGMuPiY
Mannheim Steamroller - Christmas In The Aire - Full Album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhVxTRO24_A&index=2&list=RDg6-LMGMuPiY
Mannheim Steamroller full concert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEWpLQoCKGw
(This one is educational about the production process)
Wishing all who loved Janella a Merry Christmas & a Very Blessed New Year.
Mike Brown
March 26, 2015
I am so incredibly saddened to learn of her passing. I knew her quite well as a staff pharmacist at American River Hospital when I was the Director of Pharmacy. I loved her sense of adventure and her spirit. We laughed when she returned from Saudi Arabia and told us about the "spud attacks" in the farmer's markets! I will never understand why the best of the best are taken away at such a young age. It was a pleasure knowing her and working with her at American River Hospital.
Janiene Rise
November 14, 2014
Janella,
Today you would have been 51. We celebrate your life & the amazing person that you were. Many of your friends have sent messages for your Birthday as well. We sure miss you especially since SaasFee joined you 11Feb2014. We are happy that you & SaasFee are together again. We miss you both & remember you fondly every day. I recently had the privilege of getting a tour of your home in Golden, CO. So much of your style is still there & as I watched the sun rise from your mountain I could almost hear your amazing laugh. You were one of a kind, baby Sister, & you will be remembered forever more!
November 14, 2014
Thinking of you even more today my extraordinary, beautiful friend - your birthday - miss you and love you, Jill.
November 16, 2013
I was thinking of you Miss Janella on the 14th....but unable to get to the internet as I was in the back-blocks of NZ on camp....a beautiful, scenic spot I know you too would have loved. Like Janiene, I too am "bummed" that I could not send you a funny 50th Birthday card..Gosh you Americans have the funniest sayings!! You are never far from my thoughts matie and always in my heart. I sense you are grinning away up there at us.....miss you so much Miss Janella! X
Janiene Rise
November 14, 2013
Janella,
Today would have been your 50th Birthday. Never in a million years could I have imagined that we would not celebrate your 50th Birthday with you here on earth. You were so very amazing, strong, loving, kind, brilliant & magnanimous. YOU were LOVED by so very many all around the world & many of us grieve your loss deeply still. You are one void that will never be filled short of rejoining you in Heaven. It was one year ago 9 Aug 2013 that you had to leave us way too soon & went Home to be with Jesus in Heaven. Since then SaasFee, your faithful companion & only child, continues to flourish, though she, Kevin & I miss you more than words can express. You had told me (while I was in Golden, CO with you) that your desire for SaasFee was for her to live at least a few more years after you had to leave us. Kevin & I are doing our best to honor your request. Given the fact that we love SaasFee with all of our hearts, it is an honor & a blessing to care for her in your memory, we are blessed by having SaasFee. I am not the person that I was 2 years ago before your diagnosis & I long to join you but have obligations beyond SaasFee that will keep me on this Earth still trying to serve her, My own family & others. Someday I will be with you again & I hope that I will be worthy of your presence. There is none other like you. I am bummed that I never got to give you a funny Birthday card for your 50th like the one that you gave me for my 50th. :0)
Allison
August 9, 2013
I just put my daughter down for a nap. As I was doing so, I thought I would not use the blanket I normally use to cover her. I thought, quite randomly, to grab the quilt Janella made for her out of the closet and use that today. I have not used that quilt since Janella's passing. Right after I shut the door, I went to check something on my calendar and saw that it was one year ago to the day that Janella passed. Not only that, but at the exact time of her passing, my daughter will still be asleep and warm underneath that quilt. That is not a coincidence and I just had to share. She is still very much with all of us!
Janiene Rise
August 9, 2013
It still seems so impossible that our precious magnanimous Janella is no longer with us. A year has gone by since we lost Janella to metastatic melanoma on 9Aug2012 at age 48. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her but at the same time thank God for every precious moment that we had with her. None can compare & yet she humbly loved & nurtured all who's lives were touched by her. I am still in awe at the way that all of Janella's precious friends, neighbors, co-workers & etc. sprang into action to rally around her (& even helped me) in her time of need. A testimony to who Janella was but also to who all of you are.
I see that Janella & SaasFee's home, that Janella worked so hard for & on has just sold & that there are new neighbors living there. My heart has broken for all who have had to every day, witness the emptiness where so much life & love had once thrived. I can't imagine the pain of seeing her empty home day after day & missing Janella. I pray that the new neighbors will be good for the “Silverberry Hood” as Kevin lovingly calls it.
We are so blessed with SaasFee who has just celebrated her 10th Birthday complete with a Vanilla ice cream cake with fresh strawberries & cheesecake chunks in the middle. Janella loved vanilla ice cream & so, of course, that is SaasFee's favorite as well. (Since Janella would have a bite & then SaasFee would have a bite…..then SaasFee would have the honors of licking the bowl. ? ) (I have found that SaasFee also enjoys a bit of steak chunks mixed in with her vanilla ice cream. :0) )
I am so grateful for the love & joy that Janella gave to our family. Janella will always be in our hearts & memories. My challenge to all of us who knew & loved Janella is this: carry on her Legacy of Hospitality, Love & Laughter. Share who Janella was (& still is in our hearts) that Janella's memory will live on & that she will forever be remembered for she was & her life's history is still too amazing to be forgotten.
August 8, 2013
Dearest Janella,
Today in New Zealand it is one year since you left us.
Every day I remember you....and today, even more so.
When I look up to the heavens I feel your presence...and somehow you always seem closer when I am up in the mountains or by the waters edge.
Thank you Janella for coming in to my world and giving so much to my family and I.
I shall always treasure our friendship and cherish the many times we shared together.
You continue to inspire me Janella....I miss you so much my wonderful and extraordinary friend. Rest easy honey...love you.
Jill Morris and family
April 11, 2013
Janella, I can hear your laughter up in Heaven. Miss you every day. Love you, my dear friend.
Char
Janiene Rise
April 10, 2013
Just 8 months ago today we lost Janella but Heaven gained her & so we will be with her again..... below is the email I sent remembering Janella & notifying of James' passing. I can't help but think of Janella every day.
Dear Family, Friends & Loved ones,
I hope that this email finds you all happy & well.
As I am remembering the passing of my precious baby Sister Dr. Janella Olinger (just 8 months ago today) from Metastatic Melanoma, I am writing yet another obituary. This one for my Brother, James Olinger II who lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer yesterday. Janella & James both passed at the age of 48 yrs old & both were diagnosed with cancer last May 2012. They were 10 months & 9 days apart in age. We lost Kevin's precious Sister, Linda (Rise) Nelson, March 30,2012. Just a few weeks before we learned of Janella's diagnosis.
One might say it's been a rough year but Our children, Jenniephier & Jaried are such blessings to Kevin & I and we are so grateful for them. Janella's only child, SaasFee, is laying at my feet helping me write this email. SaasFee brings Kevin & I much joy.
It's at times like these that I lean heavily on our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and remember:
ZEPHANIAH 3:17
The Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in
you,
He will quiet you, with his
love,
He will rejoice over you, with
singing.
For those in the area who may be interested in attending, James' Funeral services are tentatively set for Sat. 20April2013 at 11AM at Foothills Community Church in Spokane, WA. Please call me to confirm though if you plan to attend just in case we have had to make any changes. Please call if you have any other questions. (My email is a nightmare so phone would be best, please. (at any of 3#'s below) There will be an online Guest Book at Spokesman.com &/or Legacy.com as soon as we get the Obituary to The Spokesman Review Newspaper which will hopefully be in the next day or 2. Please feel free to add any thoughts or memories at James &/or Janella's on line Guest books.
God's Blessings & Peace to you all,
Janiene Rise
509-926-2119
509-990-9076 cell
509-924-1757 home
Allison, Mark, and Kensington
November 14, 2012
Happy 49th Birthday, dear friend. We think of you everyday and especially on today. You've been in our hearts and minds so much and even more lately. The holidays, this year, will not be the same without you. It will be difficult not having an annual five-course holiday dinner at your house this year, as it was difficult not being able to spend Halloween with you. So many wonderful memories we made together and so many more you gave to us. I cannot help but cry and laugh, each time I pass your house on a daily basis; so sad for such a tremendous loss and so happy for so many wonderful and precious days and evenings spent with you and Saas Fee. We will forever love you and remember you, Janella. Hope The Big Guy has a cold Paulaner...scratch that, SEVERAL cold Paulaners...waiting for you tonight!
Peggy Showalter
November 14, 2012
It is Janella's 49th birthday. I still cannot fathom her absence. Im sure all of you you who knew and loved her, at one time or another, received a "Maxine" birthday card from her. So like her to poke fun at our aging bodies and cranky attitudes!
She never forgot my b-day and I will never forget hers.
Janella- There will be no card to send you this year, but i remember you with love and cherished memories on your birthday. You are forever young.
Thinking of you always and miss you much. Love, Peg
"Tree Of Life" Quilt In Memory of Janella by Susan Eckhardt
Janiene Rise
November 14, 2012
Janella, you would have been 49 today. Not a day goes by that I don't think about & miss you. I am not alone, for many are so heartbroken & yet we are all so blessed for having you for the brief time that we did. Your dear quilting friend Susan Eckhardt has put a beautiful quilt “Tree of Life” on display in your Memory at: Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum 1213 Washington Ave. Golden, CO 80401 This exhibit is held until Jan 19, 2013. What an awesome Tribute to how you breathed life into so many with your love & laughter.
November 13, 2012
It is already your birthday today here in New Zealand Janella. Thinking of you even more so today - miss you so very much my wonderful friend. Jill Morris
October 1, 2012
Janella, You were such a great friend. You have been in my heart since high school. I will miss you. Darlene Spencer McCartney
Jaried Rise
September 13, 2012
Oh Auntie J.
I don't know where I can begin. You have been my safety zone my whole life. I shared with you things I never told my closest friends and family, and you had a rare appreciation for my crazy sense of humor. I have made my mistakes in life, and that is why I never got to spend as much time with you as I wanted to.. You made time for me regardless, and I will never forget the times we had together. It amazes me how much I can miss the sound of your voice. I still try to call your home phone just to hear the sound of your voice again. I wish my email had our previous correspondence before 2008. I still cherish every email, and I hear your voice in every word and in every fragment of you I have left. You inspired me to be better than I was, and to strive to be better than I am. I wish so much that you got to see the man I have become now. I know you would have been proud. I will continue to live by your motto, and as per your life lessons I will continue to work through life with a shovel as opposed to a snow blower ...that you had in your garage ...the whole time lol. I lay awake at night still feeling like you are just a phone call and 16 hour drive away. I was going to spend new years with you again this year, but now I will have to spend new years remembering you instead. The cruel ironies of life are hard to swallow sometimes. You left us before your time but your legacy will continue to live on in my heart, and in the hearts of the thousands of people you have touched. I will miss you until the day I see you again. I will over achieve to the point you can feel my achievements from the grave dearest Auntie. Save a spot for me where ever you are. The Paulaner is on me this time, and as you told me so many times before, It's 5 O'clock somewhere. Never forgotten always remembered. Rest in peace my dearest Auntie J.
September 10, 2012
I miss Janella. Last week I went to a restaurant we attempted to go to a few months ago but the power was out. Our Fall plan was to look into volunteer work at the Denver Aquarium. There's a special disabilty program there that included patient's from Craig Rehab Center. Craig sees patients with spinal cord injuries; alot of active young people. All these things remind me of Janella and the fun we shared. I DID NOT know of her other talents like quilting...awesome! An amazing lady and fun to know. Judy Lane
I miss you good friend, I am not sure how to fill my Friday evenings yet. We solved so many world problems on those Friday nights.
Sherry Toms
September 10, 2012
Janella&SaasFee 24May2012
Janiene (Olinger) Rise
September 9, 2012
It's been one month today since we lost our precious Janella & I know more than ever that I was so blessed to have had such a loving, brilliant & magnanimous baby sister. Janella was so loved by ALL who knew her that they signed up to mow her lawn, water her flowers, cook her the most amazingly yummy & healthy meals, and do “anything that she needed” when she was diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Family & friends, new & old, from next door to around the globe, called, wrote emails, sent cards & gifts, even took time off from work & left their families to drive/fly/walk from near & cross country to spend a few precious moments with Janella from 8May2012 when she learned of her illness. Phone calls rang in regularly from Janella's friends in the US & New Zealand. Several friends flew in to just be close to her, one was afraid to fly but did so anyway & some helped add to Janella's “secret garden” which flourished from their love & attention. Co-workers were there for her when she had hospitalizations, from waiting on the curb for Janella's arrival, to whisking her through the process, including choosing the very best Doctors on the shift, to visiting her both in & out of the hospital. So very many others wanted to come to see Janella, to hold her & love her just one more precious moment but time simply ran out. Janella bravely battled Melanoma with the same style, poise, grace, honor & tenacity that she lived her life. This was solely the only battle that she couldn't outsmart & win.
Janella & I were both so grateful for the brilliant minds & help from her Pharm. D friends who were so helpful when Janella was too tired & ravished by the Melanoma to be able to instruct re: her medication needs. They were available day & night. We were both so grateful for the effort put into the Silverberry Helping Hands website, to organize meals, watering's, mowing's & any possible need as well as keeping all informed about Janella's current status...even today the site exists and leads folks to this guest book online that will be here forever for any & all who loved her so much to be able to comment anytime that they think of her for years to come.
The privilege of spending the last three months of Janella's life with her will forever remain one of the greatest blessings of my life. Though bittersweet, I will always cherish every moment that we had. Janella's brother-in-law/my husband Kevin gladly sacrificed much that he could spend a few days with her & especially in allowing me to stay with her fulltime. The best gift that Kevin & I have with us is Janella's beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Saas Fee whom we are grateful for.
Because of Janella, we all have been blessed with new friends whom we can remember Janella with. She always had a way of bringing people together. I was humbled greatly every day by the awe-inspiring outpouring of love that so many had for Janella. Not just words, but in such tangible ways. I loved & admired her as my baby sister but was still amazed as daily more & more of those who loved Janella came forth from every age & walk of life to remind her that they too loved her. They all wanted to give back for Janella had given so much all of her life. Janella gave of herself everywhere that she traveled & she traveled the world many times over. Janella was known for: her work ethics, brilliance, compassion & leadership especially as a Pharm.D, snow blowing neighbors driveways, loving all of the neighborhood children and letting them play in her beautiful yard, creating a home & yard that made the whole neighborhood proud & even pushing friends cars out when they were stuck in the snow. Janella was the first to reach out to new students, new co-workers, new neighbors & etc. to make sure that they knew that they were welcome & she genuinely cared. Everyone felt comfy in Janella's beautiful home & she entertained often. Even the pets were invited & still stand outside of her door hoping for her return. Janella loved so very many & so very many loved her in return.
The only peace that I can find in this tragic loss of Janella too young & too soon is that she knew & loved Jesus Christ as her Savior. Due to that fact, we can all be assured that we will have the opportunity to once again hold Janella in our arms for all of eternity if we follow her example & ask Jesus into our hearts. Heaven now has its most precious & beautiful angel.
Janella, you were too generous, loving & amazing to ever be forgotten. Saas Fee, Kevin & I are heartbroken & will miss you overwhelmingly until we can hold you again.
One of Janella's final goals even though she was so ill was that anyone who has been diagnosed with Melanoma, know about Dr. Jeffery S. Weber at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. We found out about Dr. Weber too late for Janella but she & I want others to know so that other melanoma victims/families might be able to keep their loved ones close to them much longer. . Please share Dr. Weber's information as he actually has survivors of melanoma…something unheard of anywhere else.
Vivian Beebe Brown
September 8, 2012
What shock and sadness at such a vibrant life ending way too soon. I worked with Janella in Saudi Arabia--and we socialized together drinking homemade margaritas on the roof of E-complex looking out at the night lights of Riyadh. She's the one who kept us together all these years--arranging trips to Denver, San Francisco, Sequim (Washington). And hosting us at her home, driving us to and from the airport, giving us hotel rooms in SF on her FF miles. And now I hear she organized street get-togethers for her neighborhood and took her nieces on great trips. What a woman! And successful in her career all at the same time. What sadness fills my heart at this world losing such a valuable human and team player. It was sweet sorrow, Janella, seeing you a few days before you died. I can hardly believe it--even though I saw it. We will all cherish you forever for what you did for us and I will never forget you as long as I live.
Kim Fox
September 3, 2012
So sorry as cousins I didn't know Janella as well. She sounds like she accomplished a lot in her short life. Kudos and God bless.
CHARMAYNE MINJARES
September 3, 2012
OUR CONDOLENCES, DEAR NIECE, I UNDERSTAND YOU LEFT LOTS OF MEMORIES WITH YOUNG PEOPLE. NICE THAT YOU WERE SUCH AN OUTSTANDING MENTOR. LOVE
Dianne Fox
September 1, 2012
I was always so proud of you cousin. You were always so brilliant. I always knew you would accomplish great things and you always did.
I will treasure the memories of the times we had at the Olinger house.
Our world is somehow smaller with out you in it. I could only guess God needed his shinning star back. You will be missed so much.
Jill Morris (Darveniza)
August 28, 2012
Janella, how fortunate and privileged I have been to have had you as my dear friend. From our carefree and fun days in Saudi together to your holidays with me in Australia and New Zealand...those memories I will always treasure. An incredibly bright, capable, caring and gorgeous woman - I will miss you so deeply. Thank you my very special mate. Rest in Peace.
Tina Fox
August 28, 2012
Such an accomplished life, Cousin. My heart goes out to the loved ones you have left behind. Continue your travels in peace.
Chaille Weiland
August 28, 2012
Janella, the memories of summers at your house, the pool, dirt bikes, playing cards and popsickles. When mom & dad let me stay behind to go skiing for the 1st time ever and your mom & dad having to take me to the bus station in a blizzard. I have always shared your accomplishments with pride to my friends...I am only sorry that time distanced our family. I finally tried out ice skating too - at Rockafeller Center after several brewskis! God Speed and love to Janiene and Jackie
Tracy, Rob, Sofie and Grace Olson
August 27, 2012
We've known Janella for 14 years and were lucky enough to be her neighbor for 7 of them. Our daughter Sofie and her puppy Saas Fe were born two weeks apart, so we sort of raised them together. Sofie used to cruise around in her walker chasing after Saas. We have so many great memories of our times with Janella. She was a generous and caring friend who always made us laugh. We will miss her deeply.
Char Hunt
August 27, 2012
My sweet sassy Janella. Since our days in Saudi and here in Colorado, I have considered you sort of a "daughter", whom I love deeply. God Bless You, honey.
Amy Brunvand
August 27, 2012
We moved in next door to Janella in 2004. My daughter, then 3, immediately fell in love with Janella. Once, when she was in trouble with me, she packed her Strawberry Shortcake suitcase and headed for the door. I asked where she was going. She responded letting me know she was running away....to Janella's. We take "Janella Medicine", we cook "Janella Flank Steak" we entertain "Janella Style" and only strive to be a good friend and neighbor "like Janella." She will live on in our hearts forever.
Lisa Evans
August 27, 2012
Too many memories growing up at the Olinger house in Spokane. I've known Janella since she was 12 and never been prouder of any one person's accomplishments than she. She will be missed.
Susan Campbell
August 25, 2012
Janella; My dear, dear surrogate daughter. We had many adventures in Saudi Arabia and many more state side. Our numerous cooking classes with Aruna Kuba in Riyadh and the cookbooks we gave each other are treasures to me. You were a shinning star taken away in your prime. You traveled the world and enjoyed life to the fullest. I know you and my late husband (Barry) are somewhere having a brewsky together. Rest in Peace my dear we will all be together one day. Love, Susan
In "wine country" Oct. 2011
Jill Manda
August 24, 2012
So hard to believe that less than a year ago we were in San Fransisco with our "tour guide," Janella laughing, riding on the trolleys and double decker buses. I only knew Janella thru my sister Susan, until last year. We finally got to meet and were instant friends! She shared her adventures from around the world with wonderful stories of her travels. I feel cheated that I didn't get to spend more time with her. I do have wonderful pictures and great memories to look back upon. In this world she will be missed but I look forward to seeing her again one day.
John & Carolyn Shumate
August 24, 2012
Rest peacefully in God's arms.
Cindi Smith-Dunham
August 24, 2012
Whenever I think of Janella I also think of geoducks; she introduced me to this memorable delicacy during our days at UCSF. I remember her as being cheerful, fun and caring, and am saddened to hear of her untimely passing. My condolences to the family and her close friends and coworkers, who must miss her terribly.
Terrance Killilea
August 23, 2012
Janella was a great classmate and friend...one who always had a super attitude through the trials of a tough pharmacy program. I have not seen her in several decades, but I am very sorry to hear of her passing. She was key to many of us keeping good cheer throughout the school years and many owe their success to her great approach to life. I pray (and know) she is in a good place and wish only the best for her family. The world was a better place because of Janella.
Kathy Jennings Little
August 22, 2012
I'm sorry to hear this news, I always think about her and how she was doing.I have many great memories being at the Olinger's house growing up. She will be missed.
jay chandler
August 20, 2012
Sorry to hear of my "lil sisters" passing. I have many great memories of Janella growing up in Spokane. Especially when she visited me in the bay area and I took her to a YES concert at the Cow Palace...hahahaaa, we had a great time. take care , your pal forever jay chandler....
August 20, 2012
A great friend and a great neighbor. You are greatly missed Janella.
The Kosten family.
glenna
August 19, 2012
Godspeed old friend........i will see you in heaven one day....
August 19, 2012
Janel was one of my favorite students at Pasadena Park Elem.
She was in our third grade class and was serious about her studies.So sorry to see this.
Mike Cromer
Gun Barrel, Texas
The McKee Family
August 18, 2012
We are that much better, as a family (Vlg. Family) for having been blessed with Janella in our lives. Long live her wit, spirit and kindness.
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