Janice Small Brethauer
June 21, 1953-Oct. 17, 2016
Arnold, California

Janice was born in The Dalles Oregon to Melvin Small and A. Victoria Small. Janice received her BA and her MA in education at San Jose State University and taught for 32 years. Teacher Janice concluded her career as a kindergarten teacher at Juana Briones Elementary School in the Palo Alto Unified School District. Janice had a residence in Arnold for 30 years and upon her retirement settled into Blue Lake Springs 9 years ago. For 8 seasons Janice worked as one of the orange jacketed ambassadors at the Bear Valley Ski Resort. Janice volunteered with Calaveras County Search and Rescue as a "ground pounder" and co-chair of the CCSAR Fundraising Committee. Her favorite SAR challenge was leading the litter down a mountain during high angle rope exercises. On Monday evenings during the summer Janice presented the National Association for Search and Rescue program Hug-a-Tree in Big Tees State Park. She often said there was nothing more noble than the giving of your time and talents in the hope of helping strangers. She was an avid runner for more than 40 years and was preparing for her 10th marathon. On most mornings she could be seen running through Big Trees State Park, Lakemont or White Pines Lake. During the past five years Janice accomplished a one day summit of Mt. Whitney, climbed Half Dome and did an eight day float trip down the Grand Canyon. At the time of her passing she was preparing for a trek in the back country of New Zealand. Janice was also member of the Sequoia Woods Women's Club. Janice enjoyed snowshoeing, kayaking, speed skating, gardening and raking pine needles. Janice leaves behind her husband of 24 years, John (Jay) Brethauer, her two dearly loved step children, John (Jack) Brethauer (wife Katherine), of San Francisco and Kathryn Elise (Brethauer) Bitman (husband Jason) of St Helena and her one-year-old grandson John Tanner Brethauer. She is survived by her mother A. Victoria Small and her three sisters, Mardi Quain of El Dorado Hills, Susan Breuer of San Mateo and Barbara Esslinger of Boca Raton, Florida. In lieu of flowers, Janice would have been pleased to have her friends donate to her beloved Calaveras County Search and Rescue at PO Box 3090, Arnold, CA 95223.

Memorial services will be announced at a future date.

Blessed are the pure of heart: for they shall see God.

Tags: teacher/educator