Janice Ann Quijano, beloved daughter of El Paso, Texas, left this world on August 8, 2026, surrounded by love and in the comforting embrace of her family in Orange County, California. Born on September 24, 1954, Janice’s 71 years were marked by a profound commitment to others and an unwavering spirit that inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Janice’s courageous battle with cancer lasted three and a half years. Through every diagnosis and treatment, she met each challenge with quiet fortitude and untold grace. Even in the hardest moments, her thoughts were never for herself; her heart’s true concern was always for those she loved. Her life was defined by this selflessness, a beautiful throughline visible in every chapter of her story.

From an early age, Janice excelled as a scholar and athlete. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Tech, driven by a deep love of learning and an innate curiosity about the world. Janice then went on to further her education at Southern Methodist University, where she earned her master's degree in speech pathology. Alongside her academic achievements, she was a lifelong athlete showcased by her exceling in tennis, volleyball, and basketball. Her competitive spirit was matched only by her graciousness both on and off the court.

Throughout her life, Janice wore many hats with a quiet, radiant dignity. She began her professional journey as a special education teacher, bringing boundless patience and love to children who needed it most, after a brief and spirited period as a model. Later, she found her truest calling as a homemaker and mother. Both are roles she cherished deeply and performed with unconditional devotion. Every comfort she provided, every thoughtful act, was an extension of the boundless love she felt for her family.

As her children grew, Janice continued living the values she held most dear—never missing an opportunity to serve others. Whether delivering meals to the sick through her work with Meals on Wheels or giving her time to community charities, Janice’s selflessness was a beacon for all who knew her. Seeing others happy brought her genuine joy, and she devoted herself to giving as much of her time and heart as possible.

Janice’s passions outside her family and charity work brought beauty into the lives of many. She was an avid and talented tennis player, known for competing regularly in the Nellie Gail tennis league, where her warmth and enthusiasm left a mark on her fellow competitors. Janice also brought color to the world through her expansive garden, which bloomed year-round with a vibrant variety of flowers, most notably her treasured roses. In her kitchen, she was nothing short of a magician, baking cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and every variety of dessert with as much love as skill. A tradition that is lovingly carried forward by her children.

At her very core, Janice was known for her generosity. She touched lives in ways large and small, filling every room with kindness and making every person she met feel valued and loved. The impact she made on her family, friends, and community is immeasurable; her legacy will be reflected in every act of kindness inspired by her example, every garden in bloom, and every sweet treat shared amongst friends and family.

Janice showed relentless commitment to her husband of 46 years, Rodolfo "Tino" Quijano (91). She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Gibson and her husband, Russell, and her brother, David McKinney and his wife, Nancy. She was a devoted mother to her sons Daniel (43) and his wife, Alyssa, David (40) and his husband, Joseph, and her daughters Marissa (37) and Carolyn "Carly" (35). In addition to her children, she was grandmother to her 3 beloved grandsons Kaden (3), Rylan (1) and Jake (1). She is preceded in death by her father, Daniel McKinney Sr., her mother, Rita McKinney, and her older brother, Daniel McKinney Jr.

To honor Janice Ann Quijano’s remarkable life, a Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Kilian Church, 26872 Estanciero Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, on August 17th, 2026, at 10:30 am. Following the service, the family invites all who loved her to a Graveside Service at Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630, at 12:00 noon.

She will be deeply missed, but Janice’s memory will remain a guiding light and a living testament to the power of love, generosity, and selfless devotion.