Janice Irene (Page) Forrester, affectionately known as Jan, was born on August 26, 1941, in El Paso, Texas. She passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Bandon, Oregon, at the age of 85.

Jan’s arrival came as something of a surprise. Her parents, Dr. Donald Page and Dr. Mabel Page, had planned to return to Boulder, Colorado, by the end of September so that Jan could be born at Boulder Sanitarium. Instead, she arrived six weeks early while her father, an Army physician, was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas.

Both of Jan’s parents were physicians. They completed medical school in 1936 at the College of Medical Evangelists, now known as Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and later served on the staff of Boulder Sanitarium. Her father specialized in diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat, while her mother was a radiologist. In 1940, her father was called into military service.

Jan and her sister, Ann Maxwell, shared a wonderful childhood in Boulder, a beautiful college town nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Jan attended Boulder Junior Academy from first through tenth grade. She then completed her junior and senior years at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, graduating in 1959.

Campion Academy held a special place in Jan’s family history. Her grandfather, Frank Page, had been the school’s first principal and remained associated with the academy for many years. Because of that connection, Jan and Ann had the privilege of visiting the campus many times while growing up.

Jan continued her education at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1963. After graduation, she returned to Campion Academy, where she taught fifth and sixth grades at the elementary school for two years. She later moved to Enterprise, Kansas, where she taught English and served as the librarian at Enterprise Academy from 1965 to 1968.

It was during the spring of 1967 that Jan met Ronald Lee Forrester, the man with whom she would build a loving and enduring life. At the time, Ron was teaching music in Kansas City, Missouri, while Jan was teaching at Enterprise Academy.

Their courtship was carried on across a distance of about one hundred miles, with weekend dates whenever one of them could make the drive. Although life took her to many places, a part of Jan’s heart always belonged to Colorado. Whenever she spoke about the mountains, the scenery, and the memories of her childhood, listeners could almost see the beauty through her eyes and understand why she loved it so dearly.

Jan was also an avid reader. In fact, to call her an avid reader may be an understatement. She loved books throughout her life, but no book was more treasured than the Bible. She devoted herself to studying Scripture and
regularly read the Spirit of Prophecy books as part of her daily spiritual life.

She loved celebrations, holidays, and especially birthdays. One of her favorite birthday traditions was the Mackinaw Island fudge that Ron ordered for her each year. Jan would carefully store it in the freezer, savoring one piece at a time so it would last as long as possible. Yet she always looked forward to the next piece with childlike delight.

Jan also had a deep appreciation for beautiful glassware and fine china. She carefully collected pieces over the years, and each one carried a story, a memory, or a special meaning that she treasured.

Above all, Jan loved her family. She wanted to know what each person was doing, what interested them, and how life was unfolding for them. She celebrated their successes, supported them through challenges, and faithfully
prayed for them every day. In fact, if you were fortunate enough to be Jan’s family or friend, chances are you were being prayed for regularly. Prayer was one of the greatest gifts she shared with those she loved.

As her health declined, Jan faced each day with remarkable grace. She rarely complained. Instead, she continued faithfully reading her Bible, studying her Sabbath School lesson, and sharing devotional time with friends. Through every challenge, she sought to make the most of each day she had been given.

During those last months, Ron lovingly cared for her around the clock. He worked tirelessly to ensure she had everything she needed and to keep her comfortable at home for as long as possible. Their devotion to one another was a beautiful testimony of enduring love. As Jan often said, not everyone is blessed with a husband who loves them so faithfully. Ron filled her days with flowers, candy, music, and countless acts of kindness. With his rich bass voice, he sang to her, encouraged her, and cared for her with unwavering devotion. It was a privilege to witness the deep affection and commitment they shared, right through the final chapter of their journey together.
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When Jan’s health eventually worsened and returning home was no longer possible, she was transferred to the hospital in Bandon, where Alden practices medicine. There, he visited her every day, overseeing her care and finding ways to brighten her spirits. Being able to see her son daily was a gift she cherished deeply. Alden often arrived with treats he knew she would enjoy, whether fudge, milkshakes, or another favorite surprise. Carmen, Alex, and Max also came to visit, surrounding her with the love of family. They even celebrated her final
birthday together. Those visits brought tremendous joy to Jan and were truly medicine for her heart.

Alden’s love for his mother was steady, quiet, and unwavering. He was there for her every step of the way, always looking for a way to make each day a little easier and a little brighter, and Jan never doubted how deeply she was loved.

Throughout her life, Jan remained faithful to God, faithful to her family, faithful to her friends, and faithful in service to others. As we remember her, the words of Matthew 25:23 seem especially fitting:

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Those who knew Jan look forward with hope to the day when the trumpet shall sound and Christ shall return. On that resurrection morning, we trust that the first words Jan will hear will be those beautiful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A funeral service will be 3:00 pm, Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Albany Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3085 Grand Prairie Rd SE, Albany, OR 97322. Final burial will be 10:00 am, Monday, October 19, 2026 at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.