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Margaret (Meg) Wallhagen posted a condolence
Monday, November 28, 2022
I was so saddened to hear about Janet's death. I worked with her for years in her role with our John A Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence and so very much valued her thoughtful contributions and her work with older adults, especially those with cognitive impairment. She will be so fondly remembered! Meg Wallhagen
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Patricia Rusch posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Janet and I lived in the same townhouse complex for several years. She was a great cook, and she would often bring me plates of yummy baked goods. If I didn't happen to be home when she came by, I would find surprise paper plates of goodies left on my deck!
One of my favorite memories of Janet was seeing her take her walk every day-- with her cat Reid following close behind! I missed that sight so much when Janet was not able to walk any more. Reid still came to my deck now and then, and I considered him a messenger from Janet. I am glad to hear that Reid has been taken in by Janet's daughter and will have a loving home.
I must also mention Janet's grandson, who began shoveling my sidewalks when he was barely tall enough to hold the shovel. He also did other odd jobs for me over the years, very competently and politely. (I attribute that to his grandmother's influence.) I see now that he is way tall enough to handle any shovel that comes along!
Janet kept her sense of humor even when she had to stay in bed, and would make little jokes and clever remarks when I came to visit. She also became an expert at eating while lying down, and was neater than I am when I sit at a table!
I would drive past Janet's house whenever I picked up my mail, and always enjoyed seeing the original decor and lovely flowers in front of her place. The wooden giraffe was definitely the BEST!
I am very sad to see the "For Sale" sign in front of Janet's house now. I miss her a lot.
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Wendy Moyle lit a candle
Sunday, November 13, 2022
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Janet was a kind, passionate, knowledgeable and very friendly person. She helped me overcome a lonely time when I was in Iowa, and she was a surprise in so many ways. I remember her asking me to go to the cinema with her and found I was sitting through a very scary movie that I would not normally have gone to. Janet took it all in her stride and seemed to love every minute of it. I so enjoyed the moments I had to share discussions with Janet and have often thought about her over the years. I was sorry to hear she was ill and even more so to hear of her passing. She will be greatly missed but she has left a wonderful legacy that her family can feel proud of.
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Christine Wanich Bradway posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Janet was the best! Such a wonderful colleague and friend, she will be missed but her contributions and smile will NOT be forgotten!
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Lori Jarmon posted a condolence
Thursday, November 3, 2022
It was my pleasure to call Janet my friend. We worked together at the College of Nursing for many years and also attended Coralville United Methodist Church together for many years. We served on the Children's Ministry team together as well as many other events (Habitat for Humanity, Scool clothing drives, VBS, etc.,). I will never forget when I was going through a particularly difficult time, talking to Janet and her words of encouragement were, remember God is with you and he's going to get you through this! She was right, of course, but I was thankful that God gave me wonderful friends like Janet to help me along the journey. We shared many happy times together, at church events, dinner at each other's homes, and lots of holiday parties. I thank God for Janet and have great peace knowing that she is in heaven with a big smile skipping around free from pain in complete joy!
Thanks for the memories, my friend.
Lori Jarmon
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Lisa Skemp uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
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I wonder what Janet is baking for all those that she is meeting in heaven. Having known her for over 40 years she was always available as a dear and treasured friend. Janet was a wonderful and loving listener for her family Neva, Ricky and Nelson, her students, her friends, and for all those persons she met. She was amazing at not only getting people “connected” but doing this with a knowing of how it would help them. Janet was a wonderful mentor to many – and her passion for dignity and care for older adults will continue through her students and faculty that she supported over the years. We went on so many walks, had so many talks, shared so many stories, ate so many delicious goodies, and made so many wonderful memories, I treasure. I am grateful for our journey together, thank you dear friend.
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Ann Kolanowski posted a condolence
Friday, October 28, 2022
Janet was a wonderful colleague and will be missed by the nursing community. She was respected, trusted and loved by all who knew her.
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Ann posted a condolence
Thursday, October 27, 2022
She loved coffee and baking. And deep conversations over apple cake and coffee. She loved walking along a sandy beach and staying up late. She loved deeply her friends and family. And kids, cats & giraffes and traveling especially Africa and Iceland. Mostly she loved people, helping & giving of herself in whatever form that took- giving them cash one time or repeatedly, writing grants to fund community projects or research. She advocated for people- not in a loud “look at me” way but a all hands on board, feet on the ground personal way. She didn’t love this she WAS this. Giving, spirituality overflowing her gifts and guidance. Not for her gain but for yours. She was that quiet leader, listening to perspectives, honoring everyone’s contributions. She believed in you before you believed in you. Distributive justice, shared governance, individual empowerment. Live life large. She did.
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Shannon Campbell posted a condolence
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Neva I offer my most sincere condolences to you, Ricky and Nelson. As you endure this difficult time know I am here.
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Juanita Miller posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
I am deeply saddened as I read this obituary, I fell in love with the ladies as they came to Watauga county Detention center. Janet was always so special to our inmates and the detention staff . I retired from the facility and continued to see her at the hospital and never imagined she was sick. She had a beautiful demeanor and always a beautiful smile!
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Daniel Bryan posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Neva and family, with my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. Many blessings to you at this difficult time.
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Kim Geguzis lit a candle
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
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Janet was a sweet soul, very kind and fun to work with here at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. I still remember her laugh/giggle and she always seemed to have a smile on her face. She spoke often of Neva and Nelson, I send my most sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace,
Kim Geguzis
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Francis Kuehnle posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Dr. Specht was my professor at the UIowa College of Nursing and a mentor to me in working with older adults. I appreciated her encouragement and guidance in bringing levity, joy, and a little bit of silliness into the lives of those living with dementia. My thoughts are with her family.
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The family of Janet Kay Specht uploaded a photo
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
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Austin & Barnes
Funeral Home and Crematory
194 Queen Street
Boone, North Carolina
28607
Phone: (828) 264-8888
Fax: (828) 264-8889
