Janet E. Hodges

May 23, 2016 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2016 | 3 comments

Janet E. Hodges, Overland Park passed away May 23, 2016. A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on May 26 at 11am at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
Janet Elizabeth Henry Hodges, 63, passed away on May 23, 2016. She was born in Jacksonville, FL to Martin and Jeanette Henry, but as the daughter of a Naval aviator, she and brothers Philip and Stephen called many places across the United States and the world home. She graduated from Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, VA in 1970 and went on to graduate from the University of Kansas where she received her bachelor’s in education and met her husband Michael, whom she married in 1975. After teaching in Rossville, KS and Central High School in Kansas City, Kansas, Jan earned a master’s degree in photography from UMKC and dedicated herself to motherhood, raising four children, Elizabeth, Hanna, Maxwell, and Alexander, in whom she instilled her wanderlust, passion for photography, art, and music, love of learning, and the importance of family.

The last 15 years of Jan’s life were spent suffering from the effects of early onset dementia; however, the hundreds of thousands of photographs she took in the 48 years prior are her legacy to her family and evidence of a life well-lived. Not only was Jan a mother and a wife, she was her husband and children’s biggest fan and number one supporter and could be found in the audience for everything from music concerts to big jury trials to track meets. She never missed a chance to celebrate a birthday or a special occasion with her friends, made everyone who entered her home feel welcomed and special, and threw herself into everything she loved, from teaching art at St. Michael’s Preschool to cheering for Jayhawk basketball.

Two days before her death, she was blessed with the birth of her first grandson, Michael Alexander Parker.

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Bob Schaumburg

6 years ago

What a beautiful tribute for such a beautiful woman and true friend. We are all better people for having known Jan. My condolences to all of you and my heartfelt congratulations to you all for the addition of Michael to your family.

Patrick Coughlin

6 years ago

Love this. beautifully written.

Paulette Harker Corum

2 years ago

I am so sorry to read of Janet’s death. I lost touch with her 15+ years ago. We shared a special friendship in high school while living in Naples, Italy. Please accept my condolences.❤️

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Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

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Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

"We can't begin to thank you for all you did to help us with Mike. Your kindness and thoughtfulness provided peace and comfort for all of us. You have been such a blessing for both my mom and my husband. You are God's grace for us"
With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

"I really appreciate the time you spent with me on my unannounced visit regarding funeral arrangements for Marion. You went above and beyond with notes and drafting a letter for me, Bless you"

Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

"Just a note to say how pleased I was with your funeral services for Judy. It made the situation much more tolerable."

Ralph F.

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

Genanne D.

"We appreciate all that you did to make my mother's visitation simple and elegant. Your staff helped all of our family feel very comfortable. Your place was perfect for honoring and celebrating my mother's life."

Sue and Bernie

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Mark R.

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Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

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