Janis Papineau

Born and raised in Alpena, Janis was the beloved daughter of Betty (Douville) and Frederick “Fred” T. Johnston. The eldest of six children, she was a precocious, whip-smart child and a protective big sister. She grew up in the family’s three-story Victorian home on the corner of First Avenue and Hitchcock Street, in a lively neighborhood filled with children – many of whom became lifelong friends.

Summers were equally joyful, as the Johnston family moved to their cottage on Hubbard Lake, surrounded by another circle of close friends and families. In addition, Janis shared a particularly special bond with her paternal grandmother, Nellie (Plowman) Johnston.

Janis graduated from Alpena High School in 1961 and went on to attend Alma College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1965. She spent her first two years teaching in Detroit, before marrying the love of her life, John Papineau, in 1967. Soon after, the couple moved to California and settled in the scenic canyons of Claremont.

Janis taught elementary school for another 26 years in California–first at Sierra Vista Elementary School in Upland (1967-1969), and then at Euclid Elementary School in Ontario (1970-1993). A gifted and visionary educator, Janis was adored by her students and colleagues alike for her warmth, imagination, and commitment to children.

In addition to her work in education, Janis shared an entrepreneurial and artistic spirit with her husband, John. Together they owned The Mole Hole gift store in Claremont, as well as an art gallery and antique store–first called The Studio Villa and later renamed The Cul-De-Sac when it relocated along Route 66.

In 1969, Janis and John welcomed their daughter, Paige Douville Papineau, who became the light of their lives. The three shared a close bond, filling their lives with music, art, antiques and travel–for many years returning to Alpena each summer to visit loved ones.

Following her retirement and John’s passing in 2002, Janis, along with Paige, relocated to the K. Hovnanian Four Seasons community in Beaumont, California, near Palm Springs, where the two enjoyed shopping excursions and spending time with their much loved Airedale, Bae.

Janis is survived by her devoted daughter and best friend, Paige Papineau; her stepdaughter, Deborah Wondergem; her five siblings: Joey (Ken) Bott; Julie (Chris) McCoy; Jere (Sharon) Johnston; Jim (Stacie) Johnston and Jeff (Jessica) Johnston; and numerous nieces and nephews – all adored. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Papineau, and her parents, Betty and Fred Johnston.

Visitation will take place Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at noon with Elder Scott Edgar officiating. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery