Janette Jean (Dancy) Maher

Janette Jean Dancy Maher, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, fierce and independent woman moved into the light on the afternoon of July 27th, 2023 in the comfort of her residence at Beehive Homes of Babcock Ridge in San Antonio, Texas. She was ninety-one years of age.

Janette, “Grammy J” to her fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, was born in Brownsville, Texas on March 2nd, 1932. She is the daughter of Ellen Maxine Conklin Dancy and Arthur Wendell Dancy. Janette lived a vibrant, full life. Her spirit was much ahead of her time; she was an artist, a writer, an exquisite and loving homemaker, neighbor, friend. Janette spent her youth living between Brownsville and Houston. She spent many memorable summers at her Grandmother Mary’s and her Uncle Hugo’s farm in South Texas. She also spent summers at her Aunt Georgia’s Kennerly Finishing Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She treasured those times in Tucson, one of her favorite places on earth, where she taught archery, horseback riding, dance, synchronized swimming, arts, music and much more. At Brownsville Highschool, she was very active in sports, her favorite being tennis, as well as in many clubs and in journalism. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in journalism. She was proud to be on the staff of the Daily Texan during those years, working late nights writing and often walking the campus during the days looking for special interest stories. Janette was also very proud to clerk for her grandfather, County Judge Oscar C. Dancy, at the Cameron County courthouse in Brownsville for whom the courthouse is now named. She taught as a second-grade teacher in the fifties and as a special education reading specialist in the Harlandale District of San Antonio for many years alongside her husband Jack.

Janette met the love of her life at Brownsville Highschool, John “Jack” Philip Maher III, Lt Col(ret), USMA 53. They were both born at Mercy Hospital, by the same doctor, Dr. Jas. Renfro, two years apart. They dated eleven years, marrying at Davis Mountain Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona on July 21, 1958. Jack and Janette had seven children and traveled the world during Jack’s military career, including Europe, Central America, and throughout the U.S., before returning home to Texas to be closer to family. During those travels she was especially fond of Italy and seeing the Northern Lights in Norway and Denmark.

Janette will be remembered first and foremost for her kind, loving, generous and witty spirit, as well as her voice so effused with love and joy it always sounded like music. She loved the moon and she loved music like a dear friend, always calling family to let us know when there was something special to watch. She was a friend to all, keeping her doors open to family, friends and even strays, both canine and human. She always wanted the best for all who surrounded her. Her love was palpable.

Janette is survived by her sisters Marylin Creekmore and Dessa Ingebritson Jagel (Jake);

Her children and their spouses, Mark and Kim Maher: Shauna and Michael Thornton: John Philip Maher IV; Mary Ellen and Greg Castro; Rusty Moore.

Her grandchildren: Austin Maher, Marlayna Pelkey (Christian), Kyndall Palacios (Michael); Auden Thornton, Leydon Thornton, Loren Bravo (Miguel), Evan Leigh Thornton; Miranda Maher; Niko Castro, Noel Castro; Sharon Rodriguez (Eric), Rachel Moore, Michelle Moore, Megan Thompson (Samuel); John Matthew Maher.

Her nieces and nephews: Robert Looney; Ken Creekmore, Karen Creekmore, Kaleen Creekmore; Wythe Ingebritson.

Her great-grandchildren: Julianna Anjanette Rodriguez; Ava Janette Rodriguez; Abigail Marie Pelkey, Parker Ross Palacios.

Janette is preceded in death by her husband, John Philip Maher III, LtCol.(ret), USMA 53; her youngest daughter, Michelle Jean; her daughter, Anjanette Moore; her son, Matthew Dan Maher; her father, Arthur Wendell Dancy; her mother, Ellen Maxine Conklin Dancy; her uncle, Hugo Conklin; her sister-in-law Mary Beth Looney, her brother-in-law, Thomas F. Looney; her brother-in-law, William “Bill” Creekmore; her nieces and nephews: John Philip Looney, Thomas F. Looney Jr.; Keith Creekmore, Kathy Creekmore, Kyle Creekmore, Kirk Creekmore; Johanna Ingebritson Putnam.

Janette and all of her family are especially grateful to all the beautiful people at Beehive Homes of Babcock Ridge and their owner, Thomas Wood. Each of you had a deep, meaningful touch on her life. We are blessed you were there for her. She fell in love with many of you special people. You all knew her deep desire to be independent, and you did not obstruct that fierce desire! Thank you.

The family would also like to thank the nurses from Four Seasons Hospice. Your kindness and care made a difference in Janette’s life.

Visitation: Sunset Memorial (Austin Highway), Thursday, August 17, 2023, 6-8pm.

Services: Sunset Memorial, Friday, August 18th, 2023, 1pm. Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fischer House BAMC or the charity of choice.