Janice Ann Sevy Bernson returned to our Heavenly Father on February 14, 2017. She was reunited with her sweetheart, Kay Bernson, on Valentines Day exactly three years after he was buried.

She was born in Panguitch, Utah on March 10, 1933. Her parents, Thomas Franklin Sevy and Alice Church Sevy, raised her in a loving home with her siblings Violet, Norma, Tom, Art, and Pauline. She married Frank Hurst Whornham and later divorced. On April 15, 1958 she married her true love, Kay Bernson. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on March 12, 1971.

Mom willingly shared her talents with others. She was the young women’s athletic coach in Canyon Rim second ward for countless years and provided her flair and love of music for many amazing road shows. She was a self-taught pianist and could play by ear. Serving 45 years as the ward organist gave her many opportunities to end a sacrament meeting with the Ute fight song after a victory. She was full of surprises and would often sneak in a Happy Birthday serenade during postlude for someone in the congregation.

Mom was an amazing cook. Her recipes included “a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and just cook until it’s done.” You never went away from Grandmas hungry. Homemade noodles, rolls, slum, strawberry jam, and her incredible chocolate cake were favorites. She was frequently found making dinner for a neighbor which she quietly delivered without fanfare.

Mom loved a good card game of Panguitch Rummy, 31, Solitaire, or Bridge. She was in for the win and relentless, even with the kids. A game was never complete without her famous peanut butter fudge. Beyond cards, she could be found in the basement playing Nintendo, taking long walks, or out on the golf course. There was never a dull moment and if she wasn’t playing she was working. Never relaxing, she taught her children the importance of hard work. The proof of her efforts was obvious in her beautiful yard. She loved gardening and would spend endless hours until she could no longer bend to plant.

Mom enjoyed traveling with Dad. She caught, cleaned, and fried many fish at Yellowstone Lake, loved the sunshine in St. George, and most of all their annual trip to Hawaii. Though she was full of adventure, home was where she wanted to be. It was warm, inviting, and comfortable. Everyone was welcome. Given any opportunity, she loved to throw a party and bring the entire neighborhood together. The Christmas Eve gathering was a highlight, uniting family and friends for a memorable evening. Mom and Dad made every holiday unforgettable, but especially Christmas.

“Trixie” remains a legend. She was strong and determined with Panguitch blood that made anything possible. Jan was hilarious and had a comeback for everything. After her stroke three and one-half years ago they said she would never walk again. Her response was; “Wanna bet?” Mom proved them wrong and fought a long hard fight. She taught us to never give up and to never, ever, bet against Jan. We all hope she is dancing the jitterbug with Dad, living up to her title as “The Dancing Queen.” “Gotcha last” Grandma!

Jan is survived by children: Jeff (Stephanie), Cappey (Kent) Jones, Greg (Wendi), Lisa (Dorothy), Stephanie (Matthew) Kirk; 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Pauline; and many close friends. Special thanks to her friends, Connie Hamilton, Kyle Meadows, Tod Harris, John Nieman, all those in Canyon Rim Stake, and to everyone else that provided so much love and support to the mother we love, especially over the past few years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Canyon Rim 2nd Ward, 3100 East 3000 South. A viewing will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church Saturday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am prior to services. Special thanks to the staff of Sunrise Senior Living who kindly cared for her in her final months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the LDS Missionary Fund.