Janice Durnbaugh:
CLASS OF 1961
North High SchoolClass of 1961
Torrance, CA
Janice's Story
Long journey, many different roads I have been down. Found the older I get the more I enjoy life and realize all those crazy things that use to make life difficult really weren't important. After high school I moved from CA to the beautiful state of WA. Been here ever since 1961. The young and crazy kid I was, I met my husband Marc and 4 (yes 4) days later we were married. We raised 3 terrific kids, have 10 grandkids, 2 great grandsons. Marc was my best friend for almost 50 years went home to be with God almost 2 years ago. Without my faith in God and my family & friends I am not sure where I would be today. I have moved on. I really wanted to be a doctor when I was growing up. Instead traded that career for raising our 3 kids. My daughter is in medical school, only has 2 more years and she will go into practice. Going to be a naturopath. So there will be a doctor in our family. I have done many things, working for the family courts, to working in a grocery store, owing a health food store, gave oil painting lessons, taught cooking, had a catering business, medical receptionist for 15 years. I had to resign my job and become a full time caregiver for Marc. He had Parkinson's and alzheimer's, Long hard struggle.... I coached youth and adult soccer, for a total of 25 years. Got tired standing out in cold and even freezing weather so hung up my coaches coat, now I just enjoy watching it, usually from the comfort of home. I now enjoy life with my 2 dogs, Stretch Hiccup Tharsher Durnbaugh & Molly MauMau Mayberry Durnbaugh, both mini dauschounds. I recently began dating a really nice guy. Needed a hobby so began making and selling custom jewelry. I have been doing some traveling. Recently took a trip back to southern California. Stayed with my favorite neice & her family. Even able to enjoy some time at the beach. There is something special about the California beaches. Going back in either October or November, this visit I plan on revisiting some of my favorite places, maybe even a drive past North High.
I always wanted to be a doctor when I grew...Expand for more
up. My family and friends thought that was a crazy idea. As it turns out, they were wrong.
My daughter is my hero, she was married to an alcoholic. Has a successful daycare business. At the age of 40 she decided that she needed a change. So she went back to school, decided to become a Naturopath. She has been on the honor roll, in 2 more years she will have her degree and can go into practice. She finally divorced her husband, thank God. She met a wonderful guy and they got married last year. She started having problems with her eyes getting tired and things going out of focus. She recently found out she is going blind. She isn't giving up. She has already lined up people to help her and Bastyr university has a great program which will allow her to complete her schooling. Her strength and determination is amazing. I am so proud of her.
The one person from my past who I'd most like to see again is Carol Hanna, because we were best friends and I would like to see how her life has turned out.. Carol was one grade above me. She was in the class of 60. When I moved to WA I lost track. Have really fond memories of our friendship.
If I won $100 million, I'd give one million of it to Harborview hospital, because they saved Marc's life after a horrific motorcycle crash, then spend the rest on my family, friends and be able to help people who really need help..
My current age is 68. When I was 12, I thought that people my age now would be usually dead. I was so completely wrong.
My best friend would tell you I'm honest, giving, trusting, fun but people who don't know me very well would probably describe me as friendly and fun.
In 10 years, I hope to be healthy, and at peace. I'm going to get there by keep walking every day, eating healthy and most of all keep my faith in God.
My first job was at coffee coral, where I got paid $1.10/hr plus tips, which were maybe $3 a day and that would be a good day, hey that was in 1961. What I remember most about it is I couldn't believe people could really drink as much coffee as they did. Now I am wise and can enjoy coffee muchly.
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