Janice Elaine Solum, 80

Janice Elaine Solum of Wallace, Idaho, passed at home May 30, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen; her father, Milo and her brother, Gary. She is survived by her brother, Loren (Laurel); nephews David (Teresa) and Tracy; great-nephew and niece Vila and Ian; step-nieces and nephews (Eric, Jacob and Jonathan), (Brenden, Crystal, Allyson and Brady), (Sarah, Ryan, Isaac and Isabel); and cousins June Gilseth, Shirley Vaughn and Bill (Kathy) Solum. 

Janice graduated from Wallace High School in 1961 and the University of Idaho in 1965 while working summers in Virginia City. She spent a year teaching in Inchelium, Wash., before moving to Anaconda, Mont., for 30+ years where she taught first home economics and then history. She returned to Wallace in 2000 to care for her father and remained next door to the house in which she grew up until her passing.

In retirement, she worked at the Silver Shop from 2003 to 2015, as well as participated with several organizations and groups including Rotary Club, Lady Elks Auxiliary, Friendship Club, Lady Golf at Shoshone, Bridge and Pickle Ball. In many of these, she served as an officer. She also volunteered to work on many events and fundraisers.

Janice was a local at heart, keeping up with the changes in downtown Wallace and throughout the Silver Valley. She stayed up to date with family and friends, visiting, attending events and assisting everyone when needed. She was a yearly participant at the Solum family reunion. She knew the lake access roads, the mountain passes and points of activity from Coeur d’Alene to St. Regis. She attended local plays.

Janice loved animals. She kept dogs in Anaconda and took in cats from others who had passed away while back in Wallace. Janice always wanted to help others in need, making herself available for any and all tasks.

In later years, Janice traveled worldwide with friends, attended plays and kept very busy.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Gail Carlson for her special caring for Janice, Rayma and Jim Shields for all of the on-call care they provided, and John Strange for his work keeping Janice safe and secure. THANK YOU!

A memorial service for Janice will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Wallace, followed by a reception at the Wallace Elks Club. 

Memories of Janice and messages of condolence may be shared with her family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Solum family with arrangements.