Janet Regier

Janet Elaine (Hassett) Regier, born on April 21st, 1949 in Albany, Oregon, was the cherished firstborn of Mary Jane (Ettinger) Hassett and Colonel Charles "Chuck" Tracy Hassett. Her childhood was marked by a sense of adventure, as her father's career in the U.S. Air Force led the family to many different homes in diverse locations. Her early childhood was spent in Japan, where Janet and her family made very special memories such as driving to Mt. Fuji while savoring her mother's homemade bonbons, and learning traditional Japanese songs in school. After leaving Japan, the family later settled in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where Janet attended school in a quonset hut, and then Madison, Wisconsin. Her early years were a testament to her adaptability and curiosity about the world. This set a foundation for Janet that would pervade her entire life of respect and interest in all the various cultures of the world and in their beliefs, traditions, customs and faith.
In 1960, Janet's family settled in Bellevue, Nebraska, where she eventually embarked on a vibrant high school journey. Her grace and talent as a dancer captivated the stage in school productions, while her involvement in the Bellevedette drill team, contributions to the school newspaper, and her dulcet voice in the school chorus were equally admired. It was during this time that she discovered her lifelong love, Philip, at Bellevue High. Their love story began with her as a junior and him as a senior, united by their roles in the school production of Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, "Carousel." Janet, a dancer in the chorus, and Philip, playing oboe in the orchestra, experienced love at first sight at the cast party. They married on August 23rd, 1969, after three years of courtship.
Janet's love for travel carried her in her twenties to both Western and Eastern Europe, where she roamed alongside her husband and family, collecting musical instruments and dolls from each country they visited.
While Philip pursued his doctorate at the University of Washington, Janet worked in various jobs that included being a Christmas elf for a department store in Seattle, getting her certificate as a licensed barber in both Washington and California, working in property management for an apartment building, and also completing several house renovations with Philip with every house they purchased, turning fixer-uppers into beautiful, elegant homes, fit to be a dollhouse.
Janet volunteered at the Rape Crisis Center in Los Angeles and the Suicide Prevention Center in 1979. She recognized the vital significance of being present on Friday nights, a time when the need for support was most acute and volunteers were scarce.
Although her initial path led her toward nursing, she found her true passion while taking a psychology prerequisite. She transitioned to earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology at CSULA, graduating with an impressive 3.9 GPA. Her educational journey, however, was marked by the onset of severe health issues that persisted throughout her life, altering her career ambitions.
Janet's most cherished role was as a mother. In January 1986, she welcomed her only child, Aletheia, into the world. In 1989, Janet and her family settled in Moorpark, CA. Once Aletheia began attending public school, Janet was an active volunteer in the bookfairs and in bringing entertainment such as puppet shows and special guests to the school, including arranging for a professional helicopter landing out in the field. Janet would often make treats for the class, and provide popcorn for rainy movie days when the children were unable to play outside. Janet would also dress up in costumes to the delight of the young students, such as wearing a full Easter Bunny suit, and once a full dog suit and giving out bone shaped cookies.
Janet and Phil then made the decision to homeschool their child, with Janet dedicating herself fully toward Aletheia's education. She imparted a strong foundation in classical literature, music, and the sacred texts of both Judaeo-Christianity and Hinduism. She continued to support Aletheia throughout their college journey, culminating in Aletheia's own master's degree in psychology and then through their intense study toward passing the licensing exam to becoming a fully Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Janet was renowned for her boundless kindness and generosity. She possessed an extraordinary ability to connect with people, displaying a interest in their life stories and a commitment to offering unwavering support and assistance. Her radiant and nurturing personality, her contagious laughter, and her ceaseless thirst for knowledge endeared her to everyone she met.
Besides her love for learning, Janet had the soul of an artist. She excelled in oil painting, creating beautiful landscapes that depicted the serene beauty of forests, rivers, mountains, and oceans. As a gifted pianist, she deeply resonated with the timeless beauty of Beethoven's Für Elise and Moonlight Sonata. She also loved to sing songs by Elvis Presley, folk songs by Peter, Paul and Mary as well as Simon and Garfunkel, Joan Baez, Roberta Flack, along with spiritual hymns and sacred chants. Janet could also often be heard singing to her roses that she deeply loved and tended to throughout the various homes that she and her husband would share.
Janet's love for animals was evident in her constant companionship with her beloved Pekingese dogs, and her later care for parakeets, a canary, and finally a cockatiel.
Spirituality held a profound place in Janet's heart, as she practiced meditation and prayer for hours each day.
Even as her health deteriorated, Janet remained committed to caring for others. She spent her final days in the company of family, eventually passing at 7:30 am on October 1st, 2023 at Simi Valley Hospital. Her final moments were spent holding hands with her husband, who had asked her for just one last night together.
Janet is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Philip Regier of Moorpark, CA; her only child, Aletheia Regier of Eureka, CA; her sisters, Beverly McIntire and Rebecca Camp of Little Rock, Arkansas; her niece, Kellie Rogers; her nephew, David Rogers; and beloved pet cockatiel, Ace.
Janet is preceded in death by both of her parents and her much loved nephew Chris.