Janis was born to Frank and Jeanette Gray in Port Chester, NY. She attended high school and lived her younger days in Rye, NY. She moved to Missoula in the early 70s to attend the University of Montana. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1978. She met her husband, Bruce Nelson while attending college in 1977, they were married in 1980. They spent the next 11 years in Missoula.
Janis was hired by JC Penney in Missoula, MT, in 1977. She enjoyed a 35-year career with JC Penney. Starting out as a retail clerk and promoting into management quickly. She worked in stores in Missoula, Albuquerque, and Spokane. She loved working with customers and especially her associates. She was deeply disappointed to have to retire early due to health reasons.
Janis called herself the $2 million dollar woman. She survived a cerebral aneurysm, esophageal cancer, minor seizures, and a Parkinson’s diagnoses for multiple years. Janis endured 17 years of medical battles. Through it all, she was serene during her illnesses. She was a walking medical miracle. I thank all of the doctors, nurses, and aids who gave me those extra years of life. I stand in awe of your abilities and compassion.
Janis is survived by her husband, Bruce Nelson; her mother, Jeanette Gray; her sister, Karen Sipe and Robin Sipe; her niece, Allison Sipe; nephew, Aaron Sipe; and grandniece, Peyton Neu, all residing in Missoula, MT.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave., Spokane, WA 99203, on June 1, 2024, at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow at Centerplace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216.
