Janet Ann Jaeckel

Janet had many families starting with the Thorpes in Iowa, her mother Betty Thorpe Bray and her siblings, departed Judy & Nora Rae, her baby brother Harry and baby sister Linda, still living in Iowa along with her treasured sister-in-law Carol & brother-in-law Gary.

Janet is survived by 2 daughters, Jill & Joy and 4 adored grandkids, Max, Zach, Trevor & Madelyn. Oh, the adventures Grandma Janet took them on.

Always fond of travel, she would recruit friend(s) to horse back ride in Ireland; visit their families in Italy, visit her timeshare in Palm Springs, Vegas, Mexico, etc. She was always up for fun and new places or repeat places with new people. If she told you about a trip she’d been on, it was so positive and appealing that you would likely say, “What fun, I’ve always wanted to do that” and she would have you booked to do just that at the next opportunity.

Moving from Lansing Iowa to the desert of California as a young bride was on of her first ventures. Living in Mojave during the late 50s and the 60s then moving to Lancaster where she stayed. Travel to Iowa & Wisconsin by car and later by plane as a family was always important and family coming to CA to visit was always a treat.

Her nieces & nephews all appreciated her easy laugh and ability to play. Family Reunions and High School Class Reunions were something she always looked forward to and rarely missed.

Janet was the oldest daughter; the big sister; a wife; mother; hard worker at a coat factory; union organizer; Lung Association mobile pulmonary tech; custom Levi garment maker with custom embroidery working craft fairs; assemble line worker for Litton and finally a teacher’s aide for Special Needs Kids. At each of these careers she gained friends who were family. We have memories of how many people she would know while at the AV Fair, the supermarket, the post office, Lutheran Church of the Master and how connected she was. Discussing kids, family outings. Quick with a genuine compliment, a hug & a sincere visit.

For over 30 years Janet owed horses, just one at a time: Agatha, Koni and Alabama and she gained a valuable family at the Lazy T Ranch. Her “Ranch Family” are the ones that she spent the most time with since her retirement from the School District over 15 years ago.

She had a fabulous Triple Quarter party just 6 years ago and BIG 8OH party last November both at the Lazy T Ranch complete with her favorites: Costco Hot Dogs, White Bean Chicken Chili and of course cake.

She was always so humbled and downplayed the difference she made to so many. She made baby blankets for every expecting mother she knew, all her nieces and nephews and all their kids as well.

She would boost you up with her praise to you and about you to others. Not just her daughters, all her family, “I just LOVE her/him!” she would exclaim, and her enthusiasm was contagious.

If she could, she would tell you now – don’t put off your screenings, make the appointments. She would tell you that Hospice is a great organization, that they gave her stuff she was sure she didn’t want, and it was so helpful and appreciated.

She would remind you that she tried everything to get better, that she wanted to fight and continue to be strong as nails, always on the go, helping those around her and planning future trips.

I’m pretty sure she would recommend going to see the Iditarod, complete with finish in Nome, ride into the Grand Canyon, ride the train from San Diego to Santa Barbara, go to the Sequoias, help those who need help and get on a horse, in the desert, Ireland, the beach of Mexico – And think of Janet.

All Janet’s families are invited to an open house memorial on November 1st, 2020 at the Lazy T Ranch from 12-5. Due to the COVID situation we will be outdoors and be mindful of our social distancing. If you are unable to attend, please take a moment to do something special in her honor.