Janice Kay Benavidez

Janice Kay Foster Benavidez, a woman of boundless creativity and remarkable inner strength, passed away June 2 surrounded by loved ones. She was 61. Like her mother, who recently preceded her in death, Janice was courageous to the end, refusing to let her joy falter as her body failed. Born October 5, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, Janice was the third of Geneva and Orland Foster’s six children. The family lived in Lake Villa and Zion, Illinois, before moving in 1962 to El Paso, Texas. After graduating from Irvin High School in 1965, Janice married Gil Freeman and moved to Rhode Island. The couple returned to El Paso to raise two sons, and Janice remained there until 1991 when she moved with her second husband Ben Benavidez to Everett, WA. Janice and her beloved Ben lived in the northwest for 4 years before relocating to Murrieta, CA, their home for the past 8 years. Janice was an accomplished artist and shared her creations freely with friends and family. Through her art, her laughter, and the dignity she displayed despite daunting medical challenges, Janice created a legacy that will inspire us all for years to come. Janice will be dearly missed by husband Ben, sons Randall and Chris, daughter-in-law Ellen and 2 granddaughters, Kerrigan and Drew, siblings Sandra Karnatz, Tom Foster, Linda Brown, Bob Foster, Debbie Foster and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. In lieu of flowers, contributions to a memorial fund in Janice’s name can be made in care of Ben Benavidez, fund # 01 112 176, Mission Oaks National Bank, 41530 Enterprise Circle South, Suite 100, Temecula, CA 92590.