Janeen Kay Provo

Janeen Kay Provo, affectionately known as “Neen,” passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, art, and connection. A devoted mother, nana, wife, sister, and friend, Janeen carried herself with a radiant energy that drew people in.

Born on April 2, 1947, to Daniel and Virginia ‘Ginny’ Justad, Janeen grew up with two brothers, Peter and Paul, and one sister, Suzy. Her family moved around the country before settling in Indiana, where Janeen graduated from high school and college. She earned a BA in Art from Indiana University, and shortly after, married her high school sweetheart. In 1972, Janeen welcomed twin daughters, Jennifer and Joy, while living in Newport News, Virginia. Not long after, she moved to the mountains of Rockbridge County, Virginia, where she lived with friends, running a gas station and café they named *The Heart of the Forest*. Though her time there was brief, the experience deeply shaped Janeen's values and creative outlook on life.

In 1978, Janeen moved to Juneau, Alaska, where she spent nearly a decade raising her children in one of the most beautiful places on earth. There, she met her life partner, Steve Provo, and in 1982, they welcomed their son, Nicholas (“Nick”).

Janeen lived in Everett, Washington, from 1985 to 2005. During this time, she worked in typesetting and the insurance industry, forming lifelong friendships with colleagues. Janeen and Steve loved working on home projects, tending to their gardens, and creating a warm, loving environment for their family.

Janeen’s life was forever changed in 1990 when daughter Jennifer and three friends were tragically killed by a drunk driver. This loss deeply impacted Janeen, shaping her perspective on love, grief, and the importance of caring for one another.

In 2005, Janeen returned to Juneau to be close to her first grandchild, and when her family moved to Washington, Janeen lovingly followed. During her semi-retirement, she remained active in her community, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Cascade AIDS Project. In 2012, Janeen and Steve relocated to Astoria, Oregon where they lived their retirement dream, nestled in their cozy home among a loving community of friends and neighbors.

Throughout Janeen’s life and in the many places she called home, she developed friendships and became chosen family to many. Janeen was deeply loved for her wisdom and gentle, nurturing spirit.

An artist at heart, Janeen filled her life with creativity. She sketched and colored beautiful portraits and quirky scenes, read avidly, wrote thoughtfully, and enjoyed playing Words with Friends. She crafted home altars that reflected her spirituality and love for people and beauty. In her later years, she lovingly cared for her canine companions Dixie and Cleo.

Janeen was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Olive (18), her brothers, Paul Justad, Pete Justad, her parents, Daniel and Virginia Justad and many other loved ones.

Janeen is survived by her husband, Steven Provo, her children, Joy Lyons (spouse, Craig)and Nicholas Provo (spouse, Dylan), her sister, Suzy Justad, and her grandchildren, Jenna Lyons (20), Macy Lyons (17), and Maxine Provo (4). Her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on 11/3 in Astoria. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to your favorite charity.