Cover photo for Janet Sylva Swanson's Obituary
Janet Sylva Swanson Profile Photo
1937 Janet 2023

Janet Sylva Swanson

July 12, 1937 — January 24, 2023

Janet Sylva Osmundson was born on July 12, 1937 in Eugene, Oregon. The family moved to Algona, Iowa where her brother Johnny was born. From there, they took the train to Oregon City during WWII, then onto Forest Grove when Janet was 8. After a year in Forest Grove, the family moved to Walla Walla, Washington, Cannon Beach, and then Hillsboro, Oregon. Along with her brother, Johnny, the family took many trips back to Iowa, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone National Park.

Janet graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1955 and went to Oregon State University to obtain her degree in education. In 1972, she attended Portland State University to complete her Master’s Degree program. During that time Janet continued teaching in the Hillsboro School District for 26 years.
In 1970, Janet married Dean Swanson and together they raised 4 kids; Ann, Jane, Mike, and Mark. The family took many vacations to the beach, one of Janet’s favorite places. In addition to her love of the beach, Janet enjoyed oil and watercolor painting, stained glass, doing puzzles, and gardening. Her garden was always full of flowers particularly freesias.

Janet and Dean loved to travel and travel they did! In 1976, they spent 6 weeks in Europe, 2 of those weeks in England with fellow educators touring schools. The other 4 weeks were spent traveling Europe. In later years, they traveled to Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, Central America, Bermuda, and all across the United States.

Spending time at the beach was Janet’s favorite past time. The family often spent summers at the Schilling’s beach house. She always had a puzzle set up on the table in the living room and night time games became quite competitive! We are forever grateful for the wonderful memories shared at the beach house.

Janet’s competitive nature extended to her love of the Portland Trail Blazers. On game nights, Janet cheered and often times, yelled, from her seat on the couch as the Blazers either won or lost. She wore her favorite Nicolas Batum jersey over her pajamas for good luck!

Janet is survived by her Husband, Dean; Brother, Johnny (sister-in-law Bobbi); Daughters, Jane and Ann (son in law Larry); Step sons, Mike and Mark; Grandchildren; Kyle, Kelsey, Nick, and Heidi, and Great grandchildren Natalie, and Barrett.

A celebration of Janet's life will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7 , 2023 at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home. A reception will immediately follow the services.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Janet Sylva Swanson, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

Fir Lawn Memorial Park And Funeral Home

1070 West Main Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123

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