Janice Sumey

Dec 7, 1942 -

Jan 25, 2026

Janice Colleen Sumey (Ericson) was born on Dec. 7, 1942, in North Bend, Ore., to Carl Frederick Ericson Jr. and Mary Patricia Ericson (Murphy). She passed away unexpectedly at home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Jan. 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, Ala., 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 and Laurie Malone; and sister-in-law, Jeranne.

Janice is survived by her children, Laura Young (Randy), James Sumey and Katherine Sumey; grandchildren, Christina Sumey, Jacob Overway, Max Young and Megan Young; brothers, Fred Ericson, John Ericson (Vicki) and Richard Ericson (Sheila); sisters, Patricia Horne, Buffy Ericson and Mary Ericson (Jack); many beloved nieces and nephews; 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 on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Visitation and rosary from 11-11:30 a.m., Mass at 11:45 a.m., with reception to follow in the hall.

Janice will be buried in Coos Bay, Ore., on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. Service at 1 p.m. at North Bend Chapel, with a 2 p.m. 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.