Janice E. Bennett

Our hearts are heavy at the passing of Janice Bennett on November 02, 2016 just a few weeks shy of her 80th birthday. Her legacy is her lifelong example of how to Love. Her presence is deeply missed in the lives of many. During her final hours she was surrounded by her family to the very end, and with the Grace of God- with Faith and without fear accepting His final plan for her.

Throughout her life she assumed many roles, that of loving Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Friend, Neighbor, Catholic Charities Volunteer, Church Supporter, Confidante, Administrator, Life Saver (as a former Volunteer Crew Chief EMT in New York City), Top Sales Woman for a jewelry company, Girl Scout Leader, and a phenomenal League Bowler in her younger years among many others. She was consistently praised by many who had the pleasure to know her for her willingness to listen, and not judge, and to always make life- and the myriad of memories it brings- fun. She was known for her generosity and thoughtfulness- often described as someone who would give you the shirt off of her back. Janice, like her Dad was a great judge of character. Tough at times, she taught by example and expected your best, and unconditionally accepted your worst. A story teller at heart, she could match your story 1:1 with a story of her own.

In thinking how to celebrate her life, we must describe what was important to Janice. She, like her Mother unselfishly put her family before everything. She taught her children to never forget responsibility to their family-family comes first. At one point in her life she juggled the arduous responsibilities of full time work, and full time care giver to her Mother, and Husband without complaint. She taught family values. You could often hear her talk about how insisting on us having dinner together every day as a family strengthened our ties and relationships that continue to this day. Always encouraging, or gently persuading, she helped her children realize their dreams. When asked about marriage requiring 100% of each partner she suggested the figure was more like 300%. She gave unconditional love and support. She never missed a dance recital for her granddaughters. Several times a year, she did what she loved when she opened her heart and home to host big family celebrations formal, or informal, where she believed the more people attended, the merrier was the celebration. She only needed a reason to celebrate, and she immediately began to busy herself with creating a menu. She loved to cook- often boasting about owning one of every kitchen utensil ever invented. She was prepared for anything and everything. She collected recipes by the millions. She was a classy and stylish hostess perhaps influenced by her extensive fine dining experience growing up in New York. She encouraged her children to "acquire tastes" to a wide variety of foods with her standing rule of "you must try one bite". She fostered educated palates, in addition to other forms of continuing education and cultural awareness. Perhaps the fact that both of her parents were immigrants who both later became US citizens influenced her in that way. Her Mother was French Canadian, and her Father Welsh by birthright. She was the youngest of three daughters. May they rest in peace.

Janice took a big bite out of life always. She was an adventurous spirit never hesitating to spontaneously accept an invitation to take a trip, have a picnic, explore cities, visit art galleries, attend outdoor concerts and festivals, and see ballets or Broadway shows, or shop for bargains . When not busy "gallivanting in your glad rags" as she called it she was just as content sharing a great cup of coffee (she was always told she made the best) with you along with interesting, often amusing conversation. Not more than five minutes after arriving in her kitchen you could count on her asking, "Do you want a cup of coffee"? For over thirty years she loved to camp in the great outdoors, an interest she shared often with her children. She was an amazing dancer, and loved beautiful music. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY she met her husband (of a few months shy of fifty years) at "a dance" in Manhattan. Don was in the Navy when they met and fell in love so long ago. They are survived by four children, eight grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her dog by the name of Katie- the last of many pets she and Don loved to spoil throughout their years together. By the Grace of God we will all meet again someday.

We trust Jan and Don are reunited in heaven doing everything they love. Together they shared genuine appreciation of KU Basketball. Jan could give you detailed descriptions about every player and how he influenced the team at any given moment. Her loyalty to KU strengthened during her many years working as the Administrator of the Office of Nephrology and Hypertension at KU Medical Center. During her final months she expressed gratitude for the excellent care she received at KU Medical Center as a patient. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Rosary will be said at 5 pm, with visitation to follow at the Amos Family Funeral Home, Friday, November 11, 2016 from 5-7 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church, Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly suggests support of St. Luke's Hospice House 3100 Broadway, Suite 1000 Kansas City, MO 64111 of Kansas City Missouri, and thanks you for your continued kind thoughts, words, and prayers. God Bless You.