Janice Mano Lehman
November 22, 1963 - March 11, 2012
Obituary
COL Janice Mano Lehman, US Army
Colonel Janice Mano Lehman passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2012 after a valiant nine year battle with lung cancer. In spite of her diagnosis, Janice dedicated her life serving in the United States Army Nurse Corps. Her final duty was Chief, Department of Nursing at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord. She was beloved by all and lived for family, friends and Soldiers.
Born Nov. 22, 1963, Janice was the 5th child of Tosh and Tomi Mano of Seattle, WA. She is survived by her parents of Seattle; her husband of 15 years, COL Robert J. Lehman of Olympia; siblings, Karen Mano Little of Belfair (James), Jim Mano of Issaquah (Elena), Kathy Mano Leonard of Olympia (Mike), and Rick Mano of Sammamish (Lillie), and eight adoring nieces and nephews Brendan, Jamie, Jalen, Audrey, Garrett, Shea, Nathan and Matthew. She is also survived by Jim and Danielle Lehman, and sister-in law Elizabeth Matthews, all of Gainesville, FL.
Janice grew up in the Earlington neighborhood of Seattle where she attended Earlington Elementary, Dimmitt Middle School and Renton High School, class of 1982. She attended Washington State University where she was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Janice received an Army ROTC Scholarship and studied at the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education in Spokane, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from WSU. She was commissioned in the US Army in 1986. In 1999 Janice received her Masters degree in Nursing from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. She is also a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College.
Janice received numerous military awards and recognition over 25 years and was recently awarded the Legion of Merit for leadership and performance in the Army Nurse Corps.
Janice most enjoyed travelling, sailing, kayaking, razor clamming and being with family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10 AM at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church 3001 24th Ave S in Seattle. A private inurnment for family and close friends will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.
A COL Janice Mano Lehman Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to benefit aspiring nursing students who demonstrate the passion to lead and serve their country. Contributions can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank or mailed to: Wells Fargo Bank, 1500 Black Lake Blvd SW. Olympia, WA 98502.
A heartfelt thank you to ALL who treated and cared for Janice.
COL Janice Lehman was an outstanding officer and nurse. She was dedicated to her family and career. I had the awesome pleasure of working with her in ER at Tripler. She had a love for life that could not be missed, it always showed in her beautiful smile. I had recently spoken with her and wished her continued blessings. I know that she is in a better place just smiling at all of us. to the family…… My prayers are with you in this trying time. May God watch over your family. Charlie
Courage, Nurturing, Love — this is her legacy.
I had the pleasure of attending nursing school with Janice, going through ROTC together as well as being stationed together at our first duty station at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. She helped me get settled at Ft. Dix since she arrived prior to me and made sure I felt welcomed. She was a good friend and I have such fond memories of our time in NJ. I am so sorry to hear about her passing for I was unaware of her being sick. Heaven just gained a wonderful Angel to watch over us all. May your memories of her give you strength during this difficult time.
We will all miss Col Lehman. She was a pleasure to see each time she came into our department at MAMC. She was a true leader by example and set the bar high. I enjoyed every conversation I had with her and up until the last day I saw her, she had that beautiful smile as always. Janice was a brave and wonderful lady. To her husband and family, you were blessed to have Janice in your lives and I thank you for sharing her with us. She will be missed by many. MY condolences to you all. Rest in peace, no longer in pain my friend. Fair winds and following seas to a great lady. Your watch is over and you did it the best. Semper Fi
You will be missed COL Lehman. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You had a heart of gold and loved life. I will treasure your friendship and memories for years to come.
May God hold her in His loving arms filled with love, comfort and peace of a difficult battle fought. May her light shine in her family and friends because of who she was and whom she touched.
Janice and I went to the same nursing school although she was a year ahead of me. We were in ROTC together and had some great training stories. We always had fun at the military balls. We were both stationed at Ft Dix for our first Army assignments. She got there before me and helped me adjust to Army and nursing. She was a great mentor to me and many others. Janice was always kind and cared for all people. Her smile and quiet laugh warmed our hearts. My life is better because of the time we spent together.
COL Lehman was my boss, mentor and friend over 3 years at Madigan. She taught us all how to be strong, compassionate, and put others at the forefront. I missed her guidance and support when the Army moved me a year ago. I will miss her more now. The Army Nurse Corps has truly lost a wonderful person and leader. Heaven has gained a shining star. God Bless.
Janice was an amazing woman and friend! She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Joe and I are sending you all our thoughts, prayers, and love! So wish we could have been there today to celebrate Janice with you! May God grant you peace and healing during this difficult time!
Janice will be dearly missed by all that she touched in her too short life. We must take comfort in knowing that Janice is in peace and a better place! Janice was one of my cousins. I wish Robert and the family the comfort in knowing how many people that she touched, offering comfort and joy. I remember a few years ago when Janice and Robert visited me in Paris. It is a wonderful memory that I shall always cherish as well as our family gatherings! We can all honor Janice by showing our kindness every day!
I am so sorry to hear of Janice’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone in her family.
Janice and I were grade school friends and I will always remember Janice and I setting up desks and playing office in the play area and I got my first try at Pong in the Mano house.
Janice was a kind girl and it sounds like she grew up to make the world a much better place. I hope that you find much comfort in that.