Janet Wade

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She believed in seeing the good in others and met life's disappointments with grace and forgiveness.

Janet Brinkerhoff Wade, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on July 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Janet was born on March 13, 1942, in Richfield, Utah, to Olive Hicks Brinkerhoff and William Varsal Brinkerhoff. She grew up in a close-knit family and shared a particularly loving bond with her parents and siblings. Her family remained an important source of connection and meaning throughout her life.

Janet met Stanley Leo Wade while they were in high school. They dated for seven years before marrying on September 27, 1967. They began their married life together in a small home in Salt Lake City. Stanley began his career in construction, building homes before later expanding into apartment development. Janet initially worked for the government before joining Stanley in building their own successful apartment business.

Together, they built, owned, and managed hundreds of apartment units and also built several homes of their own. Janet played an important role in the bookkeeping and management of the business, while Stanley focused on construction, development, and maintenance. Through hard work, determination, and practical knowledge, they built the business largely through their own efforts, and Janet made an important contribution to Its success.

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Working outside was something she returned to throughout her life and was one of the ways she found purpose and comfort.

Throughout her life, Janet faced difficult trials and hardships with strength and perseverance. She continued to care for her family and meet the responsibilities placed before her, demonstrating resilience and an ability to keep moving forward.

Janet was remembered as a beautiful woman with large hazel eyes, dark eyebrows, lovely hair, and soft, feminine features. She was also an exceptionally honest, kind, and trusting person. She believed in seeing the good in others and met life's disappointments with grace and forgiveness. Her integrity, compassion, and generous nature were enduring parts of who she was.

Janet and Stanley raised two sons, Lance Wade and Shane Wade. She shared a close and loving relationship with both of her sons and was a proud grandmother to Ashton Wade, Hunter Wade, and Jaxon Wade. She loved spending time with her family and created memories that will remain treasured by those who knew and loved her.

Janet was particularly close to her mother-in-law, Virginia Wade. Virginia often joined Janet, Stanley, and their family on boating trips and other outings. Their close relationship was an important part of Janet's family life.

Janet shared a close and lasting bond with her sister-in-law, Elaine Brinkerhoff, who lived nearby. Elaine was married to Janet's brother, Sterling Brinkerhoff. Their friendship and years of support for one another brought Janet companionship and connection throughout her life.

Tennis and bowling were longtime passions for Janet. She enjoyed both activities for many years and continued participating in them until arthritis eventually made it too difficult for her to continue.

Janet enjoyed spending time outdoors and caring for her home and yard. She could often be found mowing the lawn, pruning shrubs, tending to her landscaping, and planting flowers. Working outside was something she returned to throughout her life and was one of the ways she found purpose and comfort.

Janet had a deep love for animals. Throughout her life, she cared for many beloved dogs and cats and loved animals of all kinds. Her compassion extended beyond her own pets, and she generously supported the Humane Society of Utah. Her love and concern for animals were an important part of who she was.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Leo Wade; her granddaughter, Ashlyn Sierra Wade; her parents, Olive Hicks Brinkerhoff and William Brinkerhoff; and her brothers, Scott "Scotty" Brinkerhoff, Brent Brinkerhott, and Sterling Brinkerhoff (Elaine).

She is survived by her sons, Lance (Shaurie) Wade and Shane Wade; her grandchildren, Ashton Wade, Hunter Wade, and Jaxon Wade; her sister, Patricia Smith (Allen); her sister-in-law, Elaine Brinkerhoff; and many extended family members and friends.

Janet will be remembered for her love of family, her beauty, her honesty, her resilience, her strong work ethic, her compassion for animals, her friendships, and her enjoyment of life. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Her memory will continue through the family, friends, and animals whose lives she touched.