Janis Lee Addison

September 24, 1935 — March 1, 2019

Janis Lee Addison (Jan), 83, of Oak Harbor, Wash., passed away March 1, 2019 in the loving care of her family in Everett, Wash. She was born to Russell W. Penhollow and Margaret E. Myers on September 24, 1935 in Jamestown NY. Jan graduated from Chaffey High School, in Ontario, Calif., and earned her BS RN, PHN from UC School of Medicine, Berkley. She also attended Eastern Theological Seminary, where she met her husband and lifetime love, Rev. Richard C. Addison (Dick). They were married in 1959, started a family, and soon shipped off to serve the Lord as missionaries to Congo (Zaire) for ten years. In 1973, they ministered in Azusa, Calif., and relocated finally in 1983 to beautiful Oak Harbor.

Jan was preceded in death by her loving husband in 2010. She is survived by five children and their families: Mark Addison, Philip Addison, Kristina Carrier, Stephen Addison, and Daniel Addison; 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren are among those to whom she leaves her legacy. She is also survived by her sister, Marcia Thompson. Jan was always an adventurer and loved fishing and camping with her family and friends.

As a teenager, Jan felt God’s call on her life to serve Him in Africa, where she eventually was to use her acquired nursing skills and compassion in the jungle villages of Congo. Jan’s real passion was to lead others in worship, teach biblical principles, and see the power of God demonstrated to make people whole. She was a talented musician, songwriter and guitar player, as well as a gifted administrator and leader. Jan served as a leader in Aglow International for three decades. In her retirement years she returned to Africa yearly with her husband, on short term missions until their health failed. She was truly in love with her Lord and Rescuer, Jesus Christ and is joyfully in His presence now.

A graveside service will be held  at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at Maple Leaf Cemetery, followed at noon by a memorial service and luncheon at First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Rehema for Kids, https://rehemaforkids.org. Arrangements have been made with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.