Janet L. Prince was born Sept. 18, 1932, in Bonesteel, S.D., to Claryce and Delbert Hoffie. She died July 3, 2008, in Eureka, Calif., at age 75.

Janet married Robert Schneider in 1950 and had two sons, David and Richard. They divorced in 1953. In 1958 Janet, her sons, and parents moved to Eureka. She met Neil Prince and they married August 9, 1965. They enjoyed 43 happy and productive years together.

Janet was always interested in the world of finance. She started her career while still in high school working in a local bank. In Eureka she was employed as a fiscal assistant for the Eureka City Schools. Later, she took classes at UC Berkley and qualified for a vocational teaching credential. She was hired by the Eureka HROP Program to teach finance and banking. Her class operated as a branch of the school’s credit union, opening savings accounts for students. The class was also responsible for selling yearbooks, selling tickets to school events, and organizing fundraisers for school activities. All of this was designed to give students practical experience in financial record keeping. Janet’s proudest moments were when she encountered one of her former students and learned that they were employed in a bank or similar institution.

In 1974 Janet and Neil purchased an old motel at the corner of Broadway and Henderson. Janet left her teaching position to manage the motel, constantly working to upgrade it. In 1999 the old motel was demolished and replaced by a beautiful Victorian style building, which is admired by Eureka residents and motel guests. Janet played a major role in the design of both the interior and exterior of the building.

Janet inspired people to do their best in anything they attempted. She worked hard to personify a good work ethic for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. One of her rules was, “If you don’t feel well you go to work. If you are sick you go to the doctor.” She also believed if there was a job to be done, start it now. This didn’t always work with Neil, whom she often referred to as the “Great Procrastinator.” In spite of this, he said that the luckiest day of his life was when Janet agreed to marry him because any success he had in life he owed to her and her gentle persuasion.

Janet is survived by husband Neil; son David (Pam) Schneider; son Richard (Carol) Schneider; brother John Hoffie; sister Phyllis (Pete) Modine; and Judy Mahony; grandchildren Marni, April, Rick, Kasandra (Kithanh), Katrina and Kristopher, great grandchildren Karissa, Kaleigh, Regan, and Santhanay. Janet was dearly loved and will live on in the hearts of her family, which includes many nieces and nephews.

At Janet’s request, there will be no public service. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to Hospice and St. Joseph’s Home Health Care for the care and support they provided to Janet during her last days.