Janet Langford

Janet (Skelly) Langford

May 6, 1941 – February 7, 2015

Janet was born in Eureka, Montana, where she was raised in a fun-loving and boisterous household with 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She graduated from Lincoln County High School in Eureka in 1959 and from Fort Wright College of the Holy Names in 1963. From there she entered the convent at Marylhurst, Oregon. While in the convent, she found her true vocation – teaching. After leaving the convent, she returned to Eureka where she met her future husband, Gene Langford, who had two young daughters. They moved to the Seattle area and Janet started what would become a 34 year teaching career in Auburn. She began at Pioneer Elementary, took time off when her two children were born, returned to teaching at Holy Family School and then at Hazelwood Elementary.

There was never a dull moment in her life. A consummate storyteller, Janet entertained us all with her wit and self-deprecating humor. Disorganized, flighty, forgetful and zany, she was loved by all who had the good fortune to come under her sway. She loved life, she adored her family, and she treasured her large circle of friends. She was a devoted Catholic who worked for peace and justice and she was a much loved teacher to the countless third and fourth graders whom she taught with wisdom and compassion.

She is survived by two sisters, Jeanie Beaulieu and Nancy Serba of Missoula, Montana, her four children, Mandy, John and wife Julie, Patty and Connie and by her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a myriad of nieces and nephews, all of whom brought her great joy.

A celebration of her life was held on Wednesday, February 11 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Covington.

Memorials may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. John’s, 25810 156th Ave, SE, Covington, or to the Heifer International Project.