Jan Mahan passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 12, 2014 with her husband of 59 years, Dwain Mahan, by her side.

Jan and “Irish” also made a family home for a number of years in Concord, Calif., Half Moon Bay, Calif. and Honolulu, Hawaii before settling on Bainbridge Island for the last 30 years.

Janice grew up in El Cerrito, Calif. and was the daughter of Harry B. West and Mildred G. Craig West Hall and the sister of Franklin West of Lakeport, Calif. She attended El Cerrito High School when she met and married her lifelong love, Dwain Mahan of Richmond, Calif. They were blessed with five children: Darla Mahan Varrenti of Mill Creek, Wash.; Michael W. Mahan (Ana) of Discovery Bay, Calif.; Suzanne Mahan Apodaca (Steven) of Mill Creek, Wash.; Craig Mahan (Jennifer) of Kingston, Wash. and Amy Mahan Fox of Port Orchard, Wash. Janice was “Tutu” to 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Janice was a gifted writer and took delight in bringing touching human interest stories to the public. Her other interests included quilting and her garden. Jan was outspoken and passionate about her family, woman and children’s rights and Kitsap County politics.

She was truly a “free spirit” and touched everyone she knew with a special light. She had a knack for making fast friends with everyone she met. A celebration of her life will be hosted at home with family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Nick of Time Foundation, PO Box 14178, Mill Creek, WA 98082.