Merian Elizabeth Jansson

Wasilla resident Merian Elizabeth Jansson, 56, died April 27, 2012, at St. Elias in Anchorage. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Merian was born July 9, 1955, in Napa, Idaho, and was lovingly raised by Maxine and Charles Jansson.

She graduated from Doniphan High School in Missouri in 1973, and then moved to Anchorage to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage. She later met and married Lloyd Hood on July 26, 1975. Upon her marriage to Lloyd, she became mother to Jeannine, and later in 1977 to Bree, and in 1978 to Zeleen.

Merian gave up her earlier dream of entering law enforcement and chose instead to become a wonderful wife and mother to her very grateful children. She later returned to her dream and began working for the Department of Corrections for the state of Alaska. Merian worked for the DOC for 15 years, earning the respect and admiration of many people and colleagues. She was known as a fair, tough and compassionate officer. She made corrections her life and dedicated herself to it completely, taking great pride in her work.

Merian had many hobbies over the years and she excelled at them all. Most notable was her beadwork, sewing and leather work, as well as her poetry and writing. She was an avid reader, greatly enjoyed art, dancing, theater and music, and donated regularly to many charities and good causes.

Preceding her in death was her mother, Maxine Jansson and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Surviving are her father, Charles Jansson of Idaho; sister, Sundee Davis of Missouri; ex-husband, Lloyd Hood of Wasilla; and daughters, Jeannine Lanfear of Medford Ore., Bree Hood of Seattle, Wash., and Zeleen Teter of Wasilla; and many good friends, coworkers and colleagues.

Merian’s celebration of life is at 1 p.m., May 4 at Palmer Church of the Nazarene.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks guests bring mementos to be displayed at the service, such as pictures, poems, quotes or anything that celebrates who Merian was to them.