Janet G Coe

Janet Grace Coe, age 87, was pure sunshine.   

Janet’s life began in Uniontown, Pa., on Feb. 28, 1936, born to Reverend John Somerville and Edith Grace (Cearns).  Janet had several older brothers, Donald, Glenn, and John.   

Janet’s life was full of adventure, and everywhere she went she made a new friend or found someone she already knew.  Janet was a Registered Nurse, graduating from E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y.  She served as a nurse in the United States Air Force.  

Janet lived in many places, most of which were while traveling with her husband, Larry, for his career.  Places she made a home include Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, California, Georgia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and most recently Wisconsin.  She also visited many other fascinating destinations, including her most recent trip to Russia and Hungary in 2017. Janet loved to travel and see new things while meeting new people. When home, she could always be found on the floor, near the kids playing right along with them.   

Janet was also a lover of animals, especially dogs.  She never met a dog she didn’t like but had a fondness for Schnauzers.  As a veteran, Janet wanted to provide a connection between dogs and military personnel by donating funds for veterans to have canine companions.   

She was a member of Door Creek Church and was strong in her faith.  She enjoyed being able to attend services and Bible studies. Janet loved to sing and found comfort in old hymns or music of any kind, seeking out concerts whenever she could.

Janet leaves a great hole in the hearts of her Oakwood Community, where she volunteered delivering the mail and assisting in other activities and events.  She befriended many of the staff with several of them becoming like family.  When she wasn’t volunteering, attending Oakwood activities, or at church she enjoyed spending time with her “family” in various celebrations and events, lighting up every time the little ones were around.   

As Janet aged, she endured many of the struggles that come with a long life well lived.  Even so, she continued to laugh and share her infectious smile until she peacefully reached her heavenly home on Jan. 9, 2024, surrounded by love.

Janet wanted to be cremated and spread near her late husband’s ashes in Georgia.  There will be a celebration of life, per Janet’s wishes, with ice cream, laughter, and hymn singing held at OAKWOOD VILLAGE EAST, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.  There will be an informal visitation from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m., followed by a brief prayer and hymn singing at 3 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakwood for ongoing activities and resident events that Janet enjoyed participating in. Go to https://www.oakwoodfoundationinc.org, memo "PR Life Enrichment."

Janet is survived by her son, Jeffrey Scott Coe (Rachel) of Fountain Hills, Ariz.; lifelong friends, Joyce Chance of Pennsylvania and Carole (Bud) Jaques of Delaware and their families; as well as her adopted families in Georgia and Wisconsin and many friends. Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Larry Coe; parents, and brothers.    

Her family would like to thank Oakwood for their outstanding care, connections, and love they have showered Janet with daily over the years, as well as the Oakwood Hospice team for their care and support during Janet’s transition to be with the Lord she so deeply loved.   

She will be missed, but forever remembered in the sunshine’s rays.   

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420