Admired for her natural beauty by many, she was an adventurer, wanderer, lifelong learner, artist and cultural maven. Born in Chicago in 1930, Janice Elaine Glenn, nee Elkins, passed away early Monday morning at 93. Married at 17, she wished she had finished college, but later in life she attended The University of Chicago Great Books program. She self-educated by reading great books late into the night.
A subscriber to the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and several theater and ballet companies including the Joffrey Ballet Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the American Ballet Theater, as well as the Shakespeare, Goodman and Court Theaters, she was the ultimate culture vulture. An art aficionado she studied with the late artist, Lillian Fishbein. She had an eye for beauty and often commented on the landscape, sky and lights of the city.
Having traveled extensively throughout the world her heart would always be in Chicago. Visiting over 130 countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Portugal, Russia, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, she was at home in Europe.
After her son Freddie died tragically from Ewing's Sarcoma at the age of 16, she transformed herself from socialite into activist. She marched against the Vietnam war and worked for Eugene McCarthy for president. She was active in the women's movement and involved in the Independent Democratic movement in Chicago. Through her political work she met the Crowley family, one of the top-10 funders of McCarthy‘s presidential campaign. They asked her to join their newly formed travel agency where she began her long and successful career as a travel agent to the rich and famous. Her clients loved working with her because she’d been everywhere.
She had a huge circle of friends and loved to throw parties. Her joy and passion touched many as did her boundless energy and curiosity. We know that she will be checking in somewhere to Heaven‘s Gate, where a first-class seat on a 747 will take her to next adventure. We send her much love and wish her bon voyage!
Preceded in death by husband Rowland Alvin Glenn and son Fredrick Steven Glenn. Janice is survived by son, Michael A. (Cathleen), and daughter, Laurie R. Glenn (David Marienthal) and grandson, Daniel Fredrick Glenn. Services will be held grave-site at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, August 1 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Ill.
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