Janice Rose Kaufman (Fuhr), 73, of Toledo, Washington, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sept. 3, 2023, after a valiant two-year battle with cancer. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 17, 1950, as the first child to Peter and Marguerite Fuhr (Ables).
Her early years were rooted in the close-knit rural farming communities of Rayville and Richmond, Missouri, where she learned the values of family and hard work.
On July 18, 1974, in Lewiston, Idaho, she exchanged vows with her beloved husband, Jack Kaufman, embarking on a journey of love and companionship that spanned nearly five decades. He fondly remembers how “her eyes were so full of life and how her smile filled the room with sunshine.”
From a tender age, Janice's passion for music was evident. She found enchantment in the melodies of the Beatles and the timeless charm of Elvis Presley. She had an ear for country music, finding comfort in its soulful tunes. Janice's passions were her family, genealogy, puzzles, reading and games. She possessed an insatiable curiosity and an open heart.
In 2015, Jack and Janice embraced a new chapter in their lives when they moved from Snohomish to a rural area east of Toledo, Washington, where they created cherished memories, found new friends and enjoyed a peaceful life.
Janice treasured the company of her family and friends who brought her immense joy. She loved to laugh and had the gift of gab. She found joy in the simplicity of flowers and paintings, with a special fondness of roses (as was her middle name). Throughout her life, she had many cherished pets, each one a loyal companion.
She was known for her cooking and her one-of-a-kind gift selections. She had a welcoming smile and a fondness for hugs. She leaves behind a legacy of love to her family.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Marguerite Fuhr, and her brother, Jomar Ables.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Jack Kaufman, of the home; her brother, Gary Fuhr, of Missouri; her three sons, Peter Cringan, of Grimesland, North Carolina, Jason Kaufman and his wife, Anna, of Plano, Texas, and Shawn Kaufman, of Kirkland, Washington; as well as her five adored grandchildren, Kameron and Pythagoras Cringan and Amelia, Kate and Jayda Kaufman. Janice is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and her cherished cats, Abby Lane and Mindy.
Whether you called her Janice, Jan, Janice Rose, mom, grandma, GMa, neighbor or friend, please join us in celebrating her loving life at a service from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Steele Chapel, 5050 Mount Solo Road, Longview, Washington, 98632 (phone number 360-423-3880).
Flowers and condolences may also be sent to the same location.
