Janet Campbell, 63
A great chef and retired GTE/Verizon marketing manager, Janet Campbell’s life ended peacefully at home with her beloved life-time partner, Phil Joersz, overlooking Hayden Lake on the morning of March 6, 2021. She wanted her loved ones to honor her legacy, creating great memories by living their lives to the fullest as she did.
Janet was born March 22, 1957 in Russell, Kan. After graduating from Ontario High School she went on to earn an associate’s degree in major computer science in 1987, from Columbia Basin College. She continued her education throughout her lifetime through GTE University corporate classes and culinary arts courses.
Janet’s professional career with GTE/Verizon spanned more than 20 years in marketing and telecommunication positions. Her strong work ethic led to a fabulous career, achieving Winner’s Circle numerous times with trips to Hawaii.
While working at GTE she was actively involved in the community as a United Way volunteer executive director. She put her artistic talents to work with a group of employees supporting the community with GTE as a sponsor for the Festival of Trees. They adopted an ‘Old Fashion Christmas’ theme, working with a local artist who hand carved wooden Santa ornaments. The following year they worked with an artist who painted carousel horses. Both years were spectacular, contributing thousands of dollars to Kootenai Health.
Janet’s strong Christian faith was demonstrated in many ways. After her father, Lee Irish, died in 1992, she brought her mother, Lenor M. Irish to live with her. She devotedly cared for her mother until she passed in 2002. Janet attended classes at Bible Study Fellowship. Phil Joersz, shared that Janet’s Bible study notes included her earnest prayer for loved ones to go to church to know the Lord. We can be certain that those prayers will continue as she dwells in His glory.
She loved America and was an outspoken, true patriot. As a member of the Kootenai County Republican Women Federation, she was asked to run for Republican Precinct Committeeman #19. It was a close election and, although she was not elected, she continued being a strong supporter of conservative values.
Janet’s love of cooking led her to study, master and teach culinary art. She taught cooking classes at the Culinary Stone, sharing her own recipes, and she was a member of Cancer Community Charities Gourmet Club. She was a chef at 315 Martini and Tapas before starting a wonderful, second career at the Hayden Lake Country Club. Her cuisine and presentations were savored for more than 15 years. Not nearly long enough for the many friendships she developed with her fun personality committed to making great dining experiences!
When Phil and Janet moved into their Hayden Lake home, she believed she lived just a little bit closer to “Heaven on Earth.” She got busy making this home their own. Evenings spent with friends, cooking, sipping a glass of champagne on the deck enjoying the view, dancing in the living room or playing board games was the best time ever. Of course, she had to be fashionably dressed, including her fetish for shoes, boots, jackets, hats and accessories for every occasion. She was truly a talented, beautiful woman who enjoyed having fun and shared her flair for life.
Janet is survived by her beloved partner, Phil Joersz of Hayden Lake; Shirley Joersz, West Richland, Wash.; sisters Sheryl Kaulius and husband, Lt. Col. Mark Kaulius of Mesa, Ariz., Donna Crane of Lebanon, Ore., Wanda Blackwell and husband, Steven, of Kahlotus, Wash. and Karen Williams of Kennewick, Wash.; nieces and nephews, Pattee and Adam Miller of Lebanon, Sherry Phillips of Colorado Springs, Colo., Curtis Crane and Rebecca of Eugene, Ore.; and nine great and six great-great nieces and nephews.
Her family and dear friends, Kathy Walters, Jeannine Crum, Cheryl Metcalf and Marcee Johnston extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who knew and loved her. You made her life complete!
Janet’s life will be honored at a memorial service later this year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Bible Study Fellowship-Hayden, Idaho Chapter, Global Headquarters, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258-4019 or to 3C’s Cancer & Community Charities Gourmet Club, P.O. Box 1274, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816.
Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Janet’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.