Janet Fletcher Thompson

Janet Fletcher Thompson was born in October 1951 and died on August 1, 2025, at her home in Santa Cruz, CA surrounded by her devoted family. Janet spent much of her life in Riverside, California, the third of four children, born to AG Riddick and Janet Riddick Williams, both of whom predeceased her.

The most important part of Janet’s life was as a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a daughter, sibling, aunt, cousin, and friend. Janet was the heart of a close, happy, and fun family; her greatest joys were sharing her love, positive energy, and warmth generously with others.

Janet graduated from San Diego State University, with a degree in education and a teaching credential, later receiving a master’s degree in school counseling. Her career as an extraordinary elementary school teacher spanned thirty-two years; she taught grades from second through middle school but always said second graders were her favorite students because they responded to each day at school like it was a birthday party and that fit so well with her own vibrant approach to teaching. In later years, Janet often received notes and messages from previous students thanking her for the influence she had in their lives, describing the difference she made to them.

Since Janet and Doug moved to Santa Cruz following retirement, all her dreams came true: their house near the beach was a sanctuary to family and friends and she had time to focus on her grandchildren and their activities – reading, craft, and art projects with the kids, baking and making quilts for them, always being there when she was needed. Janet still loved Hawaii, but Santa Cruz was the best place ever to live, and the beach was the best place to spend time with family and friends. Janet’s motto was “Today is my lucky day”’ which she quoted often and maintained throughout her difficult illness.

Janet is survived by her loving husband Doug, daughter Christiane (Efrain), son John (Whitney) and grandchildren Jane, Alice, Levi and Violette, nieces Rachel and Anjali (Garth), nephews Louis (Miko),Tom, Max and Thomas as well as her husband’s extended family, including his son Christopher, granddaughter Ariana and great-grandchildren Dylan and Octavia. Janet is also survived by her sisters Sherry and Stephanie (Clifford), brother Todd and dear friends Linda, Deanna, Nancy, and Marilyn.

Private family services will be held. We are grateful to Dr. Glenn Wong, Erica, Teresa and other members of the hematology/oncology team at Sutter Health, and to Dr. Kathleen Hertzer, for their exemplary care of Janet, as well as to Santa Cruz Hospice for their services.

How do we remember the heart of a family in a way that will help us stay connected to her love and beautiful spirit forever? By realizing that her love stays with us – not only in memory but in how we live, how we love, and how we show up for one another.