Janice Kay Shupe

Janice Kay Miller Shupe

1957-2026

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on June 18, 2026. She will be missed immeasurably and remembered for her vibrant energy, adventurous spirit, fierce resilience, and unmatched devotion to her family.

Janie was born on January 22, 1957, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Jack Henry Miller and Ila Wilson Miller. She grew up as the fourth of five children and was an absolute joy to her parents. Her childhood was filled with adventure, fun, and countless memories made with a family that loved being together. Whether she was riding and showing horses, boating, or hitting the slopes, she embraced and loved every moment.

Janie was never afraid to try new things. Following her graduation from Cottonwood High School, she moved to Hawaii with friends, where they lived, worked, and filled their days with hiking, surfing, going to the beach, and exploring. Her time in Hawaii became one of her very favorite seasons of life. That same adventurous spirit then took her to Europe where she enjoyed new places, new experiences, and new people.

Janie married her eternal companion Paul Shupe on June 20, 1978, in the Salt Lake City Temple. They were blessed with five children and fourteen grandchildren. Janie was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She dedicated her time to many church callings throughout her life, but her favorite place to be was among the Primary children she loved so much.

Paul and Janie’s marriage was an epic adventure, filled with plenty of "misadventures" that became legendary family stories which are both deeply memorable and highly commendable. Janie was the anchor of the household. Her attitude and perseverance in the face of adversity were unmatched. Whether she was managing a classic, chaotic "Shupe family moment," nursing her children and husband back to health from injuries, or quietly and valiantly fighting her own battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Janie did so with a strength that inspired everyone around her.

Janie loved her children deeply and was involved in every aspect of their lives. She gave of herself completely and always put her family first. She always wanted the best for them and gave them every opportunity to succeed and find and develop their passions. With that came countless hours spent driving them to and from sports, activities, and everything they loved. She was their biggest cheerleader and never missed an opportunity to watch them shine.

Janie’s home was a sanctuary for many. Janie accepted people as they were without judgement. She was a constant source of support for friends, family, neighbors, and friends of her children who showed up looking for a listening ear, knowing they would always find support, wisdom, and genuine love from "Mama Shupe" or their "Favorite Aunt Janie." Because she was an open book, she made others feel safe talking about their struggles or needing connection, even if she was paying bills in her bathrobe while doing it.

Janie’s grandchildren were the light of her life. She told each and every one of them that they were her favorite, and they all were. She was their biggest cheerleader and supported them in everything they did. They loved when she would take them “Grandma shopping” for their birthdays and Christmas.

Janie had a beautiful gift for words and connection. She was a natural storyteller, a wonderful writer, a gifted public speaker, and a masterful poet. She loved connecting with people and could make conversation with anyone. If Janie had a good story, you could count on hearing it more than once, always told with the same enthusiasm as if it were the very first time. For the last five years of her life, she was robbed of the ability to communicate in the ways that had always come so naturally to her. For someone whose life had been so full of words, stories, and conversation, the loss was heartbreaking. Even with nearly all her words being gone, there was one phrase that stayed with her: “I love you.” She said it often, and she said it to everyone— friends, family, caregivers, and even those she didn’t know. Her love for everyone was still the message she held onto and shared until the end.

Janie’s greatest pride and joy was her family. Her legacy of love, laughter, and unstoppable determination lives on in those she left behind. She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; their five children: Jared (Angela) Shupe, Megan (Fernando) Pessoa, Eric (Ashley) Shupe, Sara (Jake) Fausett, and Adam Shupe; her 14 grandchildren: Kate, Andrew, Jack, Jane, Jason, Lucy, Max, Zackary, Cozette, Emma, Eve, Tessa, Charlie and Jett; and her siblings, Sandy, Bob, and Scott.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Ila Miller, and her brother, Gary Miller. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood 2nd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2080 East 5165 South, Holladay, UT 84117. Viewings will be held at the same location Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the day of the service from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Memorial Holladay Cemetery, 4900 South Memory Lane, Holladay, UT.

For those unable to attend the funeral services in person remote services will be available at this link (Webinar ID: 977 6139 1993)

The family wishes to thank Janie’s devoted caregivers, family, friends, neighbors, and the Cottonwood 2nd Ward for the generous love and support they have shown over the last five and a half years.