WA - Janet Dailey Martinsen Law of Seattle passed peacefully on January 10, 2026 after 90 full years.

Grandmother Janet was a self-described feminist, liberal, human rights activist and, above all, a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. She inherited these traits from her father, inventor Carl Dailey who taught her women could do anything men could do, and her mother Margaret Morrison, friend to all and promoter of equality.

Janet was the first female Student Body President at Roosevelt High School, and had perfect attendance for four years. She attended the University of Washington where she was a Phi Beta Phi and a Silverfish Swimming Honorary.

College summers were spent lifeguarding (at a time when very few women were lifeguards) and working at Dick's 19 Cent Hamburgers. While working at Dick's she discovered her pay was 35 cents less an hour than the boys, and she confronted Mr. Spady. He informed her state law prohibited women from lifting more than 40 pounds (hence the pay discrepancy). Janet quickly countered that the cost of tuition was the same for boys and girls and that she would quit if she did not receive equal pay. Dick Spady gave her equal pay.

After graduation Janet married her college boyfriend Allan Martinsen. They had four daughters: Victoria, Linda, Karin, and Beth.

In February of 1972, Janet married John King Law. So began an adventurous 54-year love story and partnership. Together they traveled the world (visiting all seven continents), vacationed with family in Lake Chelan and Sun Valley every year, worked tirelessly on their real estate business, played tennis and golf and were lifelong bridge partners.

Throughout her life Janet strived for equity and helping those less fortunate. She was affiliated with the Ryther Child Center for over 60 years, was a member of the ACLU, she worked to create open housing, and marched in protest of the Vietnam War. To support desegregation of Seattle's public schools, she put daughters Linda and Karin on the voluntary transfer bus to TT Minor in the Central District.

Family was Janet's highest calling. She is survived by husband John and their four daughters: Victoria Martinsen, Linda Nothstein, Karin Barnes (Mike Brazier) and Beth Velling (Mike); ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Together, John and Janet attended countless sporting events, theatrical productions, and graduations. An exceptional homemaker and master of celebrations, Grandmother made every occasion memorable. For Valentine's Day she handmade a card for each family member with a personalized poem. Each poem had the same ending. ...Roses are red, violets are blue. Alcohol and drugs are evil, sugar is too!"

We will miss her love, wisdom, and humor, and will always honor her favorite quotes, "You got that right!" and "This too shall pass".

A celebration of Janet's life will be held in the spring.