Janet Elaine Porter

12/13/1931 – 6/2/2024

Janet E Porter, 92, passed away peacefully on June 2nd 2024 at River Rock Canyon Adult Family Home in University Place. Her family thanks the wonderful staff there for the fantastic care they provided her. Janet's dementia did not deter her from being friendly to everyone there!

Janet Elaine Allen was born in Tacoma, Washington on December 13, 1931 to Thelma and William "Nick" Allen. She graduated from Stadium High School, (Class of 1949), then earned a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from the College of Puget Sound. She moved to Cleveland, OH for her first O.T. job. After marrying Harold Porter, they settled in his home state of California, where they had two children, and she enjoyed some years as a stay-at-home mom. Once both kids were in school the family moved to her hometown of Tacoma to be closer to her parents, and she returned to work. After 13 years of marriage, she and Harold divorced.

Janet enjoyed her long Occupational Therapy career, spent mostly working at Western State Hospital, but interrupted with seven years teaching O.T. at the University of Puget Sound, and earning a masters degree in O.T. from the University of Washington.  She was a devoted pianist, able to whip off pieces from memory until shortly before passing. Janet was an active member of her music sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota and a member of the University Place Presbyterian Church. She loved to be around friends and family, and kept a crossword puzzle close by.

Janet is preceded in death by her sister Adrienne. She is survived by her children Lori (Jerry), Brian (Bernadine) and her grandchildren Liane, Kyler and Alyssa, as well as her brother-in-law and niece.

Please join us in celebrating Janet's life at a memorial service and reception on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 2pm at the University Place Presbyterian Church in University Place, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Retina Research Foundation and note that it is in memory of Janet Porter. https://retinaresearchfnd.org/giving/. Janet had genetic vision challenges, and your tax-deductible donation will truly honor Janet's memory.