Janet Threlkeld

1950 - 2023

Janet Threlkeld
January 25, 1950 - August 1, 2023
Olympia, Washington - Janet Elizabeth Threlkeld, born on January 25th 1950 in Portland Oregon to Rita and Glen Turner was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away on August 1st 2023 after a two year battle with endometrial cancer. As a child she developed a passion for adventure having lived in Germany, Mississippi, New Mexico, Japan, Colorado, and Clarkston Washington. A graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Anthropology in 1972, Janet had a passion for Pacific Northwest history having worked at an archaeological dig site in Ozette Washington in 1971. During this time, Janet met her husband, and lifelong friends and co-conspirators affectionately known as the "Cougar Ladies" who would be with her to the end. After her early career as an admitting supervisor and special projects manager at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia Washington, Janet went back to school to pursue her original passion for teaching. Fulfilling a lifelong goal, Janet obtained her secondary education teaching certificate from St. Martin's University in Lacey Washington, in 1996. Her perseverance during this time left an indelible impression on her two sons and many nieces and nephews, living by the mantra that "doing nothing was the only mistake" one could make. After a year of substitute teaching, Janet served as an English and History teacher at Yelm High School and Middle School from 1997 to 2013 where she realized her goal of teaching Pacific Northwest History. From her participation in a babysitting coop in the 1980s that evolved into to her much loved book group, to her many teaching associates, Janet cultivated innumerable friendships anchored in joy and mutual respect. During retirement she traveled extensively with her husband, logging many cruises including one through the panama canal, three cross country road trips hitting nearly all lower 48 states and many flights to see her granddaughter in New England. Throughout her life, Janet extended herself to those in need, offering hearth, home and her thoughtful ear - a living example of her Catholic faith. Janet is survived by her husband of 51 years Robert Threlkeld, two sons Kevin Threlkeld and Dr. Steven Threlkeld, their partners and her granddaughter Lillian, and her sisters Mardiese, Glenda, and Debbie and brother Bob.