Obituary - Janine Ann Harada

Janine Ann Harada, 59, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

At the request of Janine, no funeral will be held. A celebration of her life will be held in conjunction with her medical benefit on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at the Havre HRDC Building, 3 to 7 p.m.

Arrangements have been made with Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.edwardsfuneralhomemt.com.

Janine was born Jan. 2, 1956, in Havre, Montana, to Leland (Fat) and Eva (Benner) Slonaker. The family grew up on a homestead north of Zurich, Montana, and later moved to Havre. Janine graduated from Havre High School in 1974.

On March 30, 1978, she married David Harada. They spent their early years camping, hunting and fishing. Janine inherited her mother's love of sewing and cooking and was able to spoil her family and others with her talents. She loved hosting holidays, birthdays and graduation parties for her many nieces and nephews. She spent many years and hours tending a garden that she loved to share with others. Janine and David were also a part of Operation Blessing Living Water, where they sponsored drinking wells in third world countries. Later in life she loved to travel with her husband and children and always looked forward to her yearly trip to Arizona.

Janine's greatest pride and accomplishments were her three children, Nichole, Natalie and Nathaniel. She devoted her life to being the most selfless and caring mother she could be. She always put her children before herself. The true testament of her character was completely evident in the final weeks of her life. She never once strayed away from being a mother and she constantly made sure her children were healthy, safe and taken care of. Even though she wasn't ready to leave us, and we weren't ready to let go, we are comforted knowing she is at home with God.

Janine was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Slonaker.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, David Harada; daughters, Nichole (T) Artis and Natalie (Zach) Rathbun; son, Nathaniel Harada; father, Leland (Fat) Slonaker; brothers, Richard (Barb) Slonaker and Robert (Kathy) Slonaker; sisters, Karen Hughes and Lori Smith; and numerous extended family and friends.

Memorials in Janine's honor may be made to the Janine Harada Medical Benefit at Bear Paw Credit Union.