Obituary of Janet S. Genis

NA Janet S. Genis Janet Genis was born in Illinois, the third child to Ellis and Jean Coleman on May 28, 1951, and passed away August 24, 2011. Jan graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, with a BA majoring in French and English. After graduating, she was employed at the university as secretary to the Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. While living in DeKalb, Jan met her lifelong partner, Gary Nelsen, at a 1978 Fourth of July party at a mutual friend’s house. In 1980, they heeded the call of the west and moved to Tacoma, WA. In 1992, they built a long planned home and settled in Olympia. She was employed at the International Paper Union Mills (formerly Weyerhaeuser) plant as a customer service representative and supervisor for 23 years. After a gap of many years, Jan renewed an interest in playing tennis. This interest quickly became a passion, playing three or more times a week in workouts, team practices, and with friends. She participated on many USTA league teams as a teammate and captain, always working hard to improve her skills. Her life was enriched by the many wonderful people that she met thru the game of tennis. Janet was preceded in death by her father Ellis and brother Philip Coleman. She is survived by her mother, Jean and sister Diane Nelson of Oak Park, Illinois, her brother Gerry Coleman of Marshall, Wisconsin, partner Gary Nelsen of Olympia, and her beloved pups Casey and Mac. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bally’s Olympia, 200 Sleater Kinney Rd NE on October 1, 2011 at 6 PM. The family will gather at a later date in Illinois. Please leave your remembrances in the guestbook below for the family, Thank you.