Janis Lorraine Markey

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.”

Our Mother, Janis Lorraine Markey entered into eternity on March 16th, 2021 at the age of 98 surrounded by her loving family in Oakland, CA. She was born May 12, 1922 in Los Angeles to Edna and George Herberger. As a young child, she moved to San Francisco with her mother and sister and called The City her home. Her mother married James Noble who then raised Jan. After graduating from Polytechnic High School, she met the love of her life, Bob Markey in the middle of the Russian River at Big Sandy Beach in Monte Rio. Our family continues a love of the Russian River to this day. She attended UCB for a short time but left to help her future husband pass his pilot test for the US Army Air Force.

The marriage began during WWII and happily lasted 63 years. During that time, they had 3 children who they raised in Daly City. Our parents became founding members of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. As a past president of the Women’s Club, she always enjoyed participating in such fund raising activities such as festivals, fashion shows and the rummage sale.

After she raised their three children, she went to work in the family electrical wholesaling business. She continued working in this industry into her early 70’s. She loved to cook and amassed quite a collection of recipes and cookbooks. To this day, friends and family are still making her recipes. Her gin fizzes became legendary at 49ers tailgate parties over the years.

Life was always full of adventure for our mother. All she wanted for her 70th birthday was a kayak so she could explore the “River” with her friends. She loved to travel and loved the beach, so Mexico and Hawaii became her favorite places to visit.

She loved spending time in her garden and on her computer. Painting, whether it canvas or houses was another of her passions. We are lucky to have some of her work hanging in our homes.

She showed us that life should be lived; that happiness was worth fighting for, that we should seize every opportunity with a great attitude and an easy smile. Everywhere she went, everyone she met was enamored by her kindness and beautiful smile; she was someone to treasure.

She is survived by her son, Dennis Markey (wife Janet) daughters Robin Markey (husband Victor Bashbush) and Joan Barbero (husband Marcello). She also leaves behind grandchildren, Vanessa, Joshua and Ross, greatgrandchildren Jake and Cate. She had a great love of animals and leaves behind many furry and feathered friends.

She will be interred with her husband on May 12th, her 99th birthday and a celebration of her life later this year. Due to Covid, both will be private. Anyone wishing to make a charitable contribution in memory of Janis might consider the Alameda County Community Food Bank, www.ACCFB.org or the charity of your choice.