Janice Santos
January 1, 1945 – January 1, 2025
This photo shows Janice doing what she did best: Keeping An Eye On Things.
Janice was not a founding member of the Del Rey Residents Association (DRRA), but she became involved soon after she moved to Del Rey in 1975 and probably had the longest tenure as an active member of the DRRA. In 1985, the DRRA bylaws created the role of parliamentarian, and Janice voluntarily stepped into that role and performed those duties for the next four decades, almost never missing a monthly board meeting or semi-annual general meeting (more than 550 meetings).
Janice valued routine and discipline, doing aquatics in the pool six days a week for more than 40 years. She taught school at all grade levels and knew how to use her “teacher voice” to manage a roomful of difficult people and finish a meeting on time. She believed that people should be able to express their opinions, but she also made sure that the discussions led to resolution of the agenda items in question.
Janice firmly believed that people should look out for one another. During the 2018 Woolsey Fire, Janice’s sister barely escaped before her home burned down. Janice was furious because not one of the neighbors had tried to warn her sister that the fire was coming. (A cousin called to warn her.) By contrast, Janice knew almost every house (and resident) on her street, and she worked hard to maintain contact with her friends and relatives – attending weekly card games, scheduling weekly dinners at various restaurants, inviting her children and their families and friends to parties in the back yard. As one friend said, “She never forgot anyone.”
Janice had an inquiring mind and seemed to learn something new every day. She was a devout Catholic who would watch services on television if she could not attend church in person. She enjoyed dogs and frequently would dog sit while her daughters were at work. If a new restaurant opened, she’d arrange to go try it out. She loved sharing new experiences with her four children – Fieron (Emily), Devin (Lucy), Karlynn, Regan (Justin) – and grandson Devin Alec.
Her dedication and steadfast concern for others will be sorely missed.
May Janice rest in the peace of Christ.
Services will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City, CA 90230, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11 a.m..