Jan Canby of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully at her home on July lst, 2013 from natural causes. She was 90 years old.
Evelyn Janice Canby was born on May 12th, 1923 in Albany, Missouri. She moved to Santa Barbara in 1949 where she met a handsome young local fisherman, Robert James Canby, whom she married in October 1950. In the earlier years, Jan was a classic housewife who kept busy with her home and family. In the late 70s she became involved with the community where she volunteered at the courthouse and became an avid court watcher. She served on the Police and Fire Commission for more than a decade.
In 1991 her friends through Santa Barbara Beautiful, dedicated a palm tree in her name which is located at the courthouse. She was awarded a certificate of appreciation at the H.Thomas Guerry awards ceremony in May 2006 for her dedication and devotion over the years to the law officers of Santa Barbara County. She enjoyed attending Channel City Club events and Business of Professional Women meetings with her friends. She lobbied for several Congressmen and Senators and attended two Presidential Inaugurations in Washington C. When she wasn’t court watching, she enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, thrift shopping and spending time with her friends and family.
Preceded in death by her brother Francis Hunter of Pleasanton, Ca and her sister Darlene Bauer of Kansas. She is survived by her husband of 62 years Robert James (Jim) Canby, her daughter Debra (Bruce) Canby-Beaveridge, her three beloved grandchildren, Malia (David) Speciale, Kyle Welton and Bryant Beaveridge, her loving sister Lois Coloroso of Denver, her closest nieces Lori Wipfli of Pleasanton and Kathleen Waxman of Eliat, Israel, her favorite nephew Kenny (Carla) Canby of Orcutt, and several nieces and nephews throughout the country. Also her closest dearest friends Sam Salario, Yolanda Baptiste, and Lisa Kelly all of Santa Barbara. The Canby family would also like to express sincere gratitude to Jan’s caregivers Janie, Maddy, Martha & Blanca who took loving care of her during her final days, as well as Hospice of Santa Barbara for their compassionate services. A memorial will be held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse in Department 2 on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 4pm by her dear friend the Honorable Judge Adams. We ask that you wear something fun and festive.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Hospice of Santa Barbara. Although we will miss you Tutu, your laughter, generosity, kindness and unconditional love for us all will live in our hearts forever until we see you again someday.
We love you!
