Jan Vassion

Naia Janese Vassion, known to family and friends as Jan, passed away peacefully in her Rancho Cordova home surrounded by loving family, on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at the age of 88. 

Jan was born in Soda Springs, Idaho, on June 19, 1930 to Lewis William Tanner and Elva Bacon holding a toy piano.  Literally, from a very early age, she was musically inclined, and was given the opportunity to take music lessons, including piano and voice lessons.  She lived her childhood life, through high school, in the town of Montpelier, Idaho, where she flourished and enjoyed life in this small, country town.  As time went by, she also magnified her talents in voice and piano, by performing in church/school events and school competitions, excelling in both.  She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

After graduating from high school, Jan attended college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, majoring in English and minoring in Music.  She participated with and sung with the choir during her time at BYU.   She grew to love her experience at BYU and graduated in 195_.  Sshe was given the opportunity to audition with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir but declined the invitation due to personal reasons.  However, she had the talent to make the choir and would have been a great asset to it.          

After graduating from BYU, Jan taught English for a time back in Vernal, Utah.  Eventually, though, she received a job offer in West Sacramento, California and accepted the job as an English Teacher.  

While teaching in West Sacramento, she met and married her sweetheart, Ted Vassion, in September, 1959.  They eventually bought a home in Rancho Cordova, California, in 1963 and Jan resided at that home until her passing, a total of 55 years.

Jan was very active in the LDS Church in Rancho Cordova.  She played the organ in her congregation for the better part of 50 years, playing in church services, funerals, and many different functions.  She loved serving the Lord in this capacity, and even had the opportunity to play the organ at ARCO Arena when the Prophet of the LDS Church, President Gordon B. Hinckley came to speak.  She also loved to sing in the church choir and sing solos for the congregation, “Oh Holy Night” being her favorite song to solo during Christmas time.  She was active in many callings during her life in Rancho Cordova.

Jan was a stay-at-home mom, but also taught voice and piano lessons while at home.  She touched many lives with her teaching and made many precious and lasting relationships with her students.  She loved to see her students’ progress and held many recitals over the years to showcase her student’s talents.  She loved to see her students perform well and this gave her much happiness and satisfaction over the years. 

A highlight of Jan’s life was being able to perform with the Sacramento Symphony Chorus from 1982 to 1999.   She loved to sing with the group and considered this experience among some of her most cherished. 

Jan had an infectious personality.  She liked to smile and have fun.  She had a very positive outlook on life and could make the best of a bad situation.  Sometimes, out of the blue, she would sing a song and make a room come alive, whether it was a silly song or a happy song.  She loved to make people feel good and always was encouraging and motivating.   She loved spending time with her family, and especially her grandchildren.  

Jan is survived by her two sons and spouses, Steve and Kathy Vassion and Phil and Jennifer Vassion.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  She is also survived by one brother, Ron Tanner. 

Funeral Services will be held at the LDS Church in Rancho Cordova, California at 2400 Cordova Lane on Friday, August 10 at 10 am with a viewing beforehand from 9 am to 9:45 am.

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