Janet Mae Parsons Broback, beloved mother, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, and compassion that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born in Rock Creek, Minnesota, Janet's journey began with hardships, as she tragically lost her mother at just 18 months old. Her father was unable to care for her and her older sisters, Jean and Joan, and they were placed in an orphanage. At the tender age of 10, she was separated from her sisters and put on a train, her name pinned to her coat, and embarked on a solo journey across the country from Minnesota to Olympia, Washington where she lived with distant relatives.

At Olympia High School, Janet blossomed into a vibrant and beloved member of the community. As a diligent student and cheerleader, she thrived both academically and socially.

After high school, she worked her way through college, attending Washington State University, where she joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority, further enriching her life with cherished friendships and a sense of belonging.

In her sophomore year she transferred to the University of Washington where she met the love of her life, Art Broback, whom she married on December 20, 1953. They settled in University Place, where they raised their family and began a journey filled with love, adventure, and five beautiful children: Steve, Heidi, Becky, Shelley, and Jill.

As a mother, Janet poured her heart and soul into nurturing her children. She sewed clothes creating memorable outfits -- especially the matching outfits for holidays. She knit sweaters, baked endlessly, came to all our events, wallpapered and painted rooms in every house we moved to (and there were a lot!), and tole painted. We still don't know where she found the time or energy for all this.

She was an exercise enthusiast, walking almost every day, participating in aerobics and fitness classes, and was still doing personal training at the age of 80. She could outwalk us all.

When she was 50, Janet embarked on a new chapter, returning to college to pursue her passion for social work. She graduated from PLU with straight As (of course). For nearly two decades, she dedicated herself to helping others as an adoption worker for Catholic Community Services, placing babies in loving homes and bringing joy and hope to countless families.

She and Art spent 65 loving years together. They enjoyed their home in University Place, the "beach" on Henderson Bay, and their condo in Maui.

Jan was a devoted mom and grandmother, and was known for sending cards and treats to her children as well as all her 10 grandchildren on every occasion.

Throughout her life, Janet embodied the values of love, resilience, and kindness. Her favorite quote, "The past doesn't determine who you are but it prepares you for who you are going to be," encapsulates her unwavering spirit and optimism.

Janet leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, cherished memories, and a family united by bonds of affection and appreciation. Though her childhood was marked by challenges, her adulthood was defined by joy, laughter, and an infinite capacity for love.

Jan is survived by her children and their spouses (Steve and SaraLee Broback, Heidi and Rob Rowntree, Becky and Mark Conolly, Shelley and Tim Northrop, and Jill and Ben Tsu). She is also survived by her loving grandchildren: John, Hanna, Peter, Justin, Danika, Mac, Will, Anna, Aidan, and Ashley, and two great grandchildren, Owen and Hugo.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, April 19th at Sehmel Homestead Park Pavilion at 4PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University Place Historical Society.