On Wednesday June 14th 2023, Janelle Louise Smith drew her last breath with courage, dignity and grace.
Janelle was born in Portland, Oregon, on April 30, 1976. From that day forward, she brought nothing but joy, happiness and many laughs into our lives and the lives of many others.
Janelle grew up in the small town of Sandy, Oregon. She loved to socialize and play sports. She played basketball, soccer and softball in her younger years and later developed a love for snowboarding and running. Everyone at some point would see Janelle on the side of the road running. Nelly, as some would call her, was a very competitive player, but also loved the camaraderie of her teammates as well. Her love of sports and competition drew her to coaching youth sports.
She graduated in 1994 from Sandy High School. It’s here she met her high school sweetheart, Chris, who she would go onto marry and be lifelong partners with. While going to Sandy High she received; North-South All- Star Team 1993, Honorable Mention and All-State 1993 her junior year. After high school she decided to play basketball at Mt. Hood and then went on to play soccer at PSU, where she received her bachelor's degree.
After college Janelle went to work at Firwood Medical Center. During this time she married and had two children that were the loves of her life. She then went into Medical Sales but soon realized she wanted a career working with kids. She loved teaching kids in sports, so why not work with them in school. She started working at Summit Learning Charter School and absolutely loved it. She was always happy working with the kids, knowing she made a difference.
While working at Summit Janelle found a spot of melanoma. She was in and out of the hospital over the course of two years before the cancer had spread to the brain. She had always put one foot in front of the other, battling what she believed she could beat. Janelle was very competitive and did not want to lose. The doctor time and time again was amazed what a fighter she was. She ended up living an extra two years because of this.
Although we may no longer physically see Janelle, we believe she has left an incredible mark on all of us lucky enough to have known her. She would want all of us to remember her with a smile rather than tears. She would want us to find comfort in knowing she is free of pain. We will miss her contagious smile, her love of life, and that competitiveness. She will be deeply loved forever, and will never be forgotten.
Janelle is survived by her loving parents, David (Mick) and Linda Senn; her dearly loved brothers Mike and Ryan Senn. Her husband Chris and their two beautiful children; Carson and Rylee Smith.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of life at Mountain View Weddings, 48080 SE Coalman road, Sandy, Or. 97055 on July 9th at 3:30.