Janet Marie Kennedy

Janet Marie Kennedy passed away peacefully February 15th surrounded by her family.

Jan was born September 2, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio; the daughter of Joseph and Anna Soflkancs. Jan was a second generation American of Hungarian/Slovakian heritage.

She raised three children while supporting her husband's climb up the corporate ladder and was proud to have served as a volunteer EMT during the family's years in Lake of the Woods, VA. Jan has been called by many names over the years: Janet, Jan, Mom, Grandma, and Gigi. Jan is predeceased by her husband Ron who passed in 2020. Ron was the love of her life... a soldier she met one night in front of a jukebox. They were blessed to raise three children and enjoy three decades of travel and leisure following Ron's retirement at age 57. Ron had a passion for building houses. Jan's passion was to make each one a home. Ron had a passion for world travel. Jan's passion was to be on Ron's arm wherever his planning took them. Ron loved boating on Lake of the Ozarks... and this is where Jan drew the line. She loved the lake life, but preferred it from land or the screened porch on the dock. The best seat in the boat as far as Jan was concerned was the one on the floor where her grandkids would sit with her and hold her hand. But mention a cruise ship and her bags would be packed in an instant.

Jan was a multifaceted woman. She could hit the links or search for shark teeth on the beach. She could pick flowers from the garden or ticks off the dogs. She could close her eyes to enjoy a Willie Nelson song or rock out to Carlos Santana. She could be very unassuming in her T-shirt and shorts for lunch, but then knock your socks off with her striking red hair and leopard print at dinner. She loved her fine jewelry, but maybe her costume jewelry even more. She understood rules, but didn't necessarily think they applied to her. She fed dogs from the table! Janet Kennedy was always comfortable in her own skin. She never pretended to be anything she wasn't. What you saw was what you got. We took it, we cherished it and we will miss it. We love you Gigi. Janet is survived by her daughters, Bootsie Kennedy Martin (Rod) of Cedar Creek, Darlynn McDaniels (Jeff) of Cedar Creek and son Matthew Kennedy of Gardner Lake. Five granddaughters: Brooke, Ashley, Morgan, Lacey and Maddie. Five great-grandchildren: Cooper, Stella, Walter, Simon and Zeke (June 2026).

Jan and Ron's love story... to be continued in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Wayside Waifs.