Janice Laprade Berridge

An Arizona native of adventurous spirit, passed away February 5, 2012, at the age of 88. Janice was the daughter of Justice Arthur T. LaPrade and Lucile Hooper LaPrade, and the sister of three brothers; A. T., Loren, and Paul. As a young girl, Janice showed horses, won ballroom dancing contests, and was an original camper at Orme Ranch. Later, she became a pilot. Janice attended Stanford University, the University of Mexico City, and the University of Arizona. While at the University of Arizona, Janice joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, won the State’s “safe driving contest”, and competed in the national event. When she left the university, Janice became a member of TWA’s inaugural class of international airline hostesses, flying to Europe, and Egypt, and delivering the first airmail letter to the Post Master General. In January 1959, she married Jim Berridge, the founder of Berridge Nurseries. Their home on East State was the landscaped jewel of North Central. Jim and Janice shared a love of water skiing, hunting, and golf, both in Phoenix and at their White Mountain Country Club home. Janice was proud to have won the Phoenix Country Club women’s golf championship. She raised four children, but never forgot others, quietly adopting children who needed aid. Janice was up for anything. In her fifties, she took her son skiing and gamely skied three days, although she had not been on skis for years, and at age 75, she parasailed in San Diego and mastered the Macarena. Janice is survived by her children: Julie Johnson, Joya Johnson, Meredith Walton, Kaye Alderman, and Jimmy Berridge: five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom gave her great pleasure. A private family service will be held at Christ Church of the Ascension. Contributions in Janice’s honor may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, 4203 East Indian School Road, Suite 140, Phoenix, Arizona 85018, or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home and Post Scripts by Posey.