Janet Gail Williamson, 67, passed away on July 5, 2019, at her home on San Juan Island surrounded by friends, family and her loving animals. She struggled bravely in her fight with breast cancer for five years.

Janet was blessed with dedicated friends from throughout North America who supported her during her illness. In the final years of her life she moved to San Juan Island, Washington, to be close to her sister, Darleen Nixon.

Janet had a long and rewarding career as a teacher, working with deaf students in Colorado Springs and then in public middle and high school classrooms throughout the Denver metro area. Former students continued to contact Janet throughout her life and in her final months. She loved hearing about the lives and accomplishments of the young people that she had nurtured and educated.

Friends and family remember Janet for her sly smile, dry sense of humor, and wonderful generosity. She is survived by her sister, Darleen Nixon of San Juan Island, and her adopted grandson, Jack Berendes of Evergreen, Colorado.

A memorial service and reception will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 780 Park St, Friday Harbor, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, Janet’s request was donations to Hospice of San Juan, Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor.