03/11/2024
Remembering Ms Debbie with ❤️
Deborah Lynn Janey
Deborah Lynn Janey was born on October 10, 1950 in Washington, DC and passed away on March 6, 2024 in Smithville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents Shirley (Muellner) Janey and Clifford R. Janey. She is survived by her sister, Doreen Vasudevan of Exton, Pennsylvania and brothers Cliff Janney of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Tom and Patricia Janney, of Smithville, Tennessee.
Debbie was a person of many names. Her Minnesota cousins called her Deborah, her Tennessee cousins called her Debbie, her immediate family called her Deb, and a significant number of work associates called her “DJ”. She drew the line, however, at putting the extra “n” in her last name, as her brothers did, saying “I came in with one ‘n’ and I’m going out with one ‘n’.” So here we are.
Debbie graduated from John F Kennedy High School, in Bloomington, Minnesota, in 1968 and St. Catherine University in 1972, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. While Debbie was talented as an elementary school teacher, she eventually embarked on several wide-ranging occupations, including server and trainer at Steak and Ale Restaurant, a librarian at North Hospital in Minneapolis and an administrative professional at Mt. Yale Investment management, Minneapolis office. Her main “wage free” occupation, however, was being a world class runner. She ran many marathons, including the Twin Cities, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Nashville and Honolulu. She also participated in many 5k races, including the Smithville’s Fiddler 5k, a favorite.
Her most treasured role, however, was being “Aunt Debbie” to her five nieces and nephews: John and Kate Vasudevan, and daughters Molly and Jane, nephew Michael Vasudevan, Andrea Janney and daughter Cora, Alllison (Janney) and Aaron O’Keefe and sons Nolan and Levi, and David and Kelsie Janney and daughter Emelia. Some of Debbie’s fondest memories included sharing holidays and vacations with her nieces and nephews as they were growing up. However, nothing made her prouder or happier than seeing the next generation come along, thus receiving the coveted title: Great Aunt (emphasis on the “great” but not the part that implies being old, of course).
Deb made friends wherever she was. She was always remembered for making birthdays, or any event, extra special and fun. She enjoyed being of service to her friends and family and was a hard worker. She absolutely loved classic Hollywood movies with stars such as Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews and so forth. Theater and movie musicals were her favorite entertainment, and on one occasion, she spent an entire two weeks in New York City attending as many shows as possible. When her high school class was stuck on where to go for their senior trip she suggested a New York City theater tour – and it happened!
Debbie retired to Tennessee in 2019, with her beloved Min Pin, Lola, and eventually made her way to Smithville and the Webb House Retirement Center. She loved everyone there, especially her friend, Vicky Haggard and all of the staff and residents. She may have mentioned more than once – she does NOT like eggs! Thank you, Webb House for everything.
A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home on Monday, March 11 at 2:00pm. Visitation with the family will be from noon to 2:00. An internment and celebration of life will be at a later date in Minnesota.
Debbie was very special, and very loved, and will be missed by many. Donations in her memory may be made to the DeKalb Animal Shelter, 186 Transfer Station Rd, Smithville, TN 37166 or the charity of your choice.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
