Janice Lynne Shattuck

January 14, 1961 - August 9, 2016

It didn't matter if you knew Janice Shattuck for minutes or for years, she had the remarkable ability to make others feel instantly welcomed and comfortable. A shout of delight and warm hug were usually the first things to greet you with Janice. An uncommonly kind and loving woman, it is to the heartbreak of many to learn of her passing on August 9th 2016, at the age of 55.

There are hundreds of words scribbled over paper to describe Janice. They include compassionate, hilarious, selfless, wonderful mother, effortless beauty, iconic style, loving wife, and fearless queen. These are only a fraction of what can be said to articulate such a phenomenal woman. A few sentences cannot possibly do Janice justice; an entire novel probably wouldn’t even suffice. She was a genre all her own, and a heroine who couldn't be stopped by any obstacle.

Janice was born in Corpus Christi Texas, the city by the sea, on January 14, 1961 to Oscar and Dora (Gomez) Salinas. From a young age, Janice was wild at heart and possessed a tremendous spirit. She grew up in a large family, including her sisters Sandra Robbins, Doris Graber, Jeanne Dakus, and younger brothers Sonny Salinas and Steve Salinas. Being the baby sister, Janice knew how to hold her own and had no problem playing as rough as the boys. On clear nights, she would climb onto the roof of her home and lay for hours watching the stars above in awe and wonder. Her strength was tested at age 20 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Staying true to her fighting personality, she beat cancer. A few years later she would meet the love of her life, her husband who could be described as a “Navy Officer Prince Charming.”

She married John Hunt Shattuck on December 15, 1984 in Corpus Christi, and they traveled the world together. John and Janice went on to raise three extraordinary children, Brandy, Johnny and Blake, and in the year 2000, they made Erie, Colorado their final home.

What Janice loved most was to be with her family. Unlike many parents who look forward to becoming empty-nesters once their children are grown, Janice wanted nothing more than to be surrounded by her children. Before passing, she worked arduously with her son Blake to create their first feature film together. Unbeknownst to many, Janice harbored a secret ambition to be an actress. She was successful in this endeavor, and her feature debut was filmed during the past year. Janice would decorate the house with over-the-top Halloween decorations and Christmas trees that were met with squeals of delight around the holidays. She was famous for being a gracious and welcoming host, and was known for throwing the best parties in town. Animals also brought her tremendous joy, and throughout her life she gave a wonderful home to many pets.

Janice died as she had lived; fighting with courage and strength to live life to the fullest. #PrayersforJanice has been witnessed by over a million people across the globe, and the movement continues to grow and spread awareness about the health effects of radiation treatment given to Hodgkins lymphoma survivors. Nothing would make Janice happier than knowing she inspired awareness for others facing the health struggles she battled.

We are all so blessed to have had an unforgettable angel like Janice be a part of our lives. She was an electric beauty with a profound existence that moved the earth she walked upon. Although she may no longer be on earth with us, her story is not yet over. Please join us for a celebration of life on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lafayette, Colorado. A reception is to follow.

Janice is preceded in death by her granddaughter Brooklynn, and parents Dora and Oscar. She is survived by her husband John, sons Johnny and Blake, daughter Brandy, brothers Sonny and Steve Salinas, and sisters Sandra Robbins, Doris Graber, and Jeanne Dakus, all of Corpus Christi, Texas.