Janet Berggren Jones

Mar 12, 1933 -

Mar 19, 2024

Janet Berggren Jones passed away on March 19, 2024, one week after turning 91. Born on March 12, 1933, in Aurora, Hamilton County, Neb., to Georgia Beatrice (Fish) and John Paul Berggren, Janet was the youngest of five siblings who preceded her in death: Shirley Eaton, Joan Hecht, Warren Berggren and Barbara Mohrbacher.

Janet grew up on a farm near Aurora. She graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln with a degree in education. On June 19, 1955, Janet married Warren Richard Jones of West Point, Neb. They moved to Omaha, Neb., where Warren attended medical school and Janet taught in elementary school before welcoming their first born, Jennifer Marie, in August 1956. Their second child, Cynthia Lauren Elizabeth, was born in March 1958, after the family moved to Chicago, Ill., where Warren began an internship. Their third child, Suzanne Kathleen, was born July 1959 in Denver, Colo., where Warren completed a residency. The following year, the family transferred to Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Warren began service as a physician (Captain) in the U.S. Air Force. Their fourth child, Brian Douglas, was born at Fort Wainwright, Alaska in September 1962.

In 1963, the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Warren began private practice. They joined the newly organized First Covenant Church in 1963. Over the next 60 years, Janet and Warren hosted scores of missionaries, family and friends in their home in Rogers Park.

Janet volunteered at the Public Health Department in Deschapelles, Haiti, where Janet's brother and sister-in-law, Drs. Warren and Gretchen Berggren, M.D., served. Janet taught informally at home and at church as she raised her four children. Starting in 1980, she worked for the Anchorage Literacy Project for several years. Janet was an avid writer and artist, creating poems and stories with her own illustrations. Janet and Warren enjoyed countless outdoor adventures with their children and grandchildren. They were avid birders and pursed that hobby on their world travels.

Janet is survived by Warren, her husband of 69 years; four children and their spouses; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; as well as many grandnieces/nephews.

Janet had a deep faith in God. She prayed for and loved people the way Christ modeled. Janet touched many lives with her compassion and empathy. We are comforted knowing she is in heaven. We look forward to the day we will see her again.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 1-3 p.m., at the First Covenant Church, 1145 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501.

Memorial donations can be made in her honor to First Covenant Church; The Carter Center; Save the Children; or your favorite charity.

The family address is 1601 E. 26th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99508.