Janet King

Janet Marilyn Anderson King, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Villa Park, CA surrounded by family on September 8, 2025, she was 94 years old. Born on August 3, 1931, in Newport, New Hampshire, Janet was the daughter of Carl Robert Anderson and Evelyn Marion Anderson. She grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, alongside her siblings Joan Margaret and Joyce Ann.

Janet's early years in New Hampshire were filled with fond memories of roller skating, snow sledding, and playing games with her sisters and neighborhood friends. She attended elementary school in Concord and years later her family moved to Milford where she attended high school. This is where her love for writing was nurtured by her English teacher, and she contributed many stories and poems to the school publication.

After high school, Janet pursued a correspondence course in fashion illustration through the Art Institute in Boston. She worked various jobs as a receptionist and secretary and then in 1954 her life as a small-town girl changed with a visit to Los Angeles and what was to be a short stay with a friend soon turned into a permanent move. In Southern California she found work in the aerospace industry, formed lasting friendships and would eventually embark on a three-month trip to Europe which she fondly notes as one of the best experiences of her life. Shortly after her return, she reunited with and became engaged to Richard King whom she married in 1961. They soon moved to Orange, California after the birth of their son, Eric Winfield, in 1962, and their daughter, Kristin Lyn, arrived in 1965.

Throughout her life Janet always kept busy and even after having a family she found ways to expand her knowledge of things she found of interest such as crafting, taking business classes through adult education and medical administration courses which led to a volunteer position at a local hospital. She eventually found part time employment in administration with the Orange County School District where she worked until her retirement.

But most of all, Janet was a devoted mother whose highest achievement was making a loving home for her family. She cherished family trips, camping adventures, and holiday celebrations. Biking was another weekend favorite. She loved to read and could go through a couple books in a week. Tending to the landscape and gardens of her home brought her much joy, especially later in life.

Richard passed away in 2009, and they are now survived by their children, Eric and Kristin, and their grandchildren Ryan and Lauren. Janet will be remembered for her kindness and the love she shared with those lucky enough to know her. Inurnment is at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills, California.

To her family and friends, Janet leaves behind the sentiment: "It's been a wonderful life - I know because I lived it."