Janet Mae Kennedy Mounce

Janet Mae Kennedy Mounce “Grandma” passed away peacefully on May 16, 2013 after an adventurous 94 years. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 4, 1918, she belonged to the “Greatest Generation,” serving as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy during WW II. She built P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft, was active in the USO and saluted every U.S. flag.

As a Girl Scout she earned the highest award, the Golden Eaglet. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and PTA member. She earned a degree from L. A. Valley College. Her careers ranged from the U.S. State Department, to delivering mail in a jeep for the military in Alaska.

Janet called Burbank, California her home for over 50 years and celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends before moving to Santa Barbara four years ago. Janet loved butterflies, reading, the ocean, Christmas lights, Car Night at Bob’s Drive In, German Shepherds, air shows, Guide Dogs, and the fire service. (She hitched a ride on a fire engine!) Age never stopped her; at 89 she rode a high wire bicycle (3 stories above the ground) to the cheers of Mother’s Day crowds!

Janet travelled the US, Canada, Mexico and Japan. Summer vacations found Janet, Ella B, the three children and Tingo the Siamese cat, exploring National Parks. Her last outing was to see the new baby giraffes, as she shared a love of giraffes with her granddaughter Katie. She instilled in her children a love for animals, books, guide dogs, aircraft, travelling, and respect for nature. Holidays were cause for celebration.

Janet will be greatly missed by her family, Patti Haley and daughter Katie of Burbank, Jeff Mounce and Bruce of San Francisco, Robin Torrellas, George and children Kelly, Patrick and Andrew of Goleta, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar or the Search Dog Foundation in Ojai, California.

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