Janet Helen Hill

    Janet Helen Hill (née Johnson), 88, passed away on March 16, 2025, in Canby, Oregon. Janet (and her twin brother Jack) were born on May 22, 1936, in Oregon City, Oregon, to Anita and Leonard Johnson.  

Janet dedicated her life to caring for others, both professionally and personally. She served in the U.S. Navy WAVES as a Hospital Corpsman Third Class from September 1954 to October 1956, receiving her training at the Hospital Corps School in Bainbridge, Maryland. It was during this time that she met and married Navy Corpsman John Pete Hill in July 1956 in Bethesda, MA.  As a devoted Navy wife, she supported her family during multiple relocations and two deployments when John served in Vietnam. The Naval Base on Midway Atoll, where the family was stationed in the late 1950’s, was paradise for Janet.  It was evident  by her radiant smile and shining eyes as she retold tales of Midway.

Following her military service, Janet continued her career as a hospital nursing assistant while also excelling as a seamstress. She was a mother to three sons and took great pride in raising them with love and dedication. In addition to her professional and family commitments, Janet was a founding member of Canby Al-Anon in the 1980s, offering support and guidance to those in need within her community.  After John retired from the US Navy in 1971, Janet returned to her roots in Canby, where they built the family home on a section of the Johnson family farm. John retired a second time from the US Postal service in 1989. Once fully retired, John and Janet enjoyed tropical cruises, long stays in Hawaii, and split their time between Canby and The Sandcastle Beachfront Motel; Lincoln City, where they maintained an apartment.

Janet had a deep appreciation for nature and creativity. She found joy in beachcombing along the shores of Midway Atoll and Virginia Beach. After returning to Oregon, Janet rekindled her love of beachcombing at Lincoln City, collecting agates and treasures from the sea, often accompanied by her grandchildren. In family lore, The Sandcastle Beachfront Motel is synonymous with Grandma Janet and Grandpa John. So much, granddaughter Kasey takes her family there annually.

Her love of crafting was evident in her passion for card making, knitting, crocheting, baking, and sewing. She also had a special fondness for roses and gardening. Many flowers were picked and pressed to be included in her craft making. When visiting places like Silver Falls or Mount St Helens, she would pay particular attention to the wildflowers and comment which ones would press well.

She is survived by her brother Darrell Melvin Johnson; her sons John Stanley Hill, Michael Terry Hill, and Norman Lyle Hill; grandchildren Darcy Lynn Hill, Michael Tyler Hill, Kasey Brianne Humbert, Elijah James Hill, Sarah Rochelle Huff, and Alyson Lee Hill; as well as five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Pete Hill; her parents Anita and Leonard Johnson; her twin brother John (Jack) Howard Johnson; and her brother Richard Alvin Johnson.  

Janet will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, radiant smile, and unwavering dedication to family and community. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Donations in Janet's memory can be made to Canby Al-Anon

A viewing will be held on April 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Canby Funeral Chapel, located at 160 South Grant St., Canby, Oregon. A graveside service will take place on April 4, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Willamette National Cemetery at 11800 SE Mt. Scott Boulevard in Happy Valley, Oregon. Celebration for Life on April 5, 2025 , from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canby Adult Center , located at 1250 S Ivy St, Canby, OR 97013

Arrangements entrusted to Canby Funeral Chapel.