April 13, 1931 – April 4, 2025
Janis Marie Thompson McConnell, 93, passed away on April 4, 2025. Born April 13, 1931, in Eugene, Oregon, to Len and Ruth Evans, she graduated from the University of Oregon and began her lifelong career in music education, teaching chorus in Monmouth, where she met her first husband, Bob Thompson. They raised two children in Kent, Washington, where Janis continued teaching, for many years at Meridian Jr. High.
After retiring, she taught private voice lessons and became active in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). In 1982, she married W. Ray McConnell, with whom she shared 37 joyful years of travel, culture, backgammon, and grandparenting, until his passing in 2018.
Janis was passionate about music, especially voice, and was deeply admired by her students for her kindness, enthusiasm, and expertise. She spent her final years at Lakeshore Retirement Community and later in a private assisted living home.
She is survived by her children Terry Thompson (Ortencia Santana) and Julie Thompson (Bill Kruger); grandchildren Clarissa, Marco, Derek, Kyle, and Colin; stepdaughter Molly McConnell (Denise McConnell); and two great-grandchildren.
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