Janice Colleen (Ericson) Sumey

Janice Colleen Sumey (Ericson) was born December 7, 1942 in North Bend, Oregon to Carl Frederick Ericson Jr. and Mary Patricia Ericson (Murphy). She passed away unexpectedly at home in Anchorage, Alaska on January 25, 2026.

Janice graduated from North Bend High School in 1961 and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1964. She was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1964. She completed basic training in Montgomery, Alabama in 1965 during the Freedom Marches; served as a Labor and Delivery nurse at the USAF Academy Hospital; then trained as a flight nurse at the School of Aerospace Medicine.  She went on to serve as a Captain at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines with the 19th Casualty Staging Unit during the Vietnam conflict. She remained in the reserves until 1976.

In 1968, Janice married Thomas Sumey in the Philippines and after returning stateside, they relocated to Alaska while continuing her career as a Labor and Delivery nurse. She raised three children and lived in Fairbanks, Anderson, Moose Pass, Soldotna, and Anchorage, where she settled permanently in 1983. She worked for over 40 years supporting families as a Labor and Delivery nurse and retired from Providence in Anchorage in 2010.

She loved her dogs and cats, fishing, berry picking, making jam, and smoking fish. She found joy in crocheting sweaters, scarves, hats and blankets for others and we will treasure her creations forever. She also loved traveling with her dear friends and family.

Janice was part of the St. Patrick’s, Holy Cross, and St. Benedict’s parish through her years in Anchorage. She supported the St. Patrick’s Senior Group through parish nursing and by making and selling cookies and breads to raise funds to purchase socks for unhoused Alaskans.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Mary Ericson; sisters, Francis Ericson, Laurie Malone, and sister-in-law Jeranne.

Janice is survived by her children: Laura Young (Randy), James Sumey, and Katherine Sumey; her grandchildren Christina Sumey, Jacob Overway, Max Young, and Megan Young; brothers Fred Ericson, John Ericson (Vicki), Richard Ericson (Sheila); her sisters Patricia Horne, Buffy Ericson, Mary Ericson (Jack); many beloved nieces and nephews; her ex-husband and friend Thomas Sumey; and bonus family Candice Engen (Brian), Scott Stanford, John Engen, and many that called her “Grandma Jan”.

A service will be held at St. Patrick’s Parish in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, February 6 (visitation and rosary from 11:00-11:30 am, Mass at 11:45 am with reception to follow in the hall).

Janice will be buried in Coos Bay, Oregon on Saturday, February 14. 1:00 pm service at North Bend Chapel with a 2:00 pm graveside service with Military Honors at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Janice’s favorite charities: Brother Francis Shelter or Covenant House Alaska.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North  Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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