Janet L. Vanepps

Janet L. VanEpps, 49, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2013 after a long illness. She was born in Rockford on March 21, 1964; the daughter of Herbert G. 'Jerry' and Grace (Hawkes) VanEpps. In 1982 she graduated from West High. She then received two associate degrees from Rock Valley College. Janet worked at Milestone Industries. She enjoyed participating in Special Olympics and was a friend to many. Janet had several dreams. She also loved to travel. In the mid 90's she fulfilled one of those dreams by being able to go to Ireland with her sister. Then in 2000 she got to visit Hawaii and among other things, see the sunrise over Mount Haleakala. She loved being with family and always looked forward to spending time with them, especially around the holidays. She would always remind us of whose birthday was coming up and how old they were going to be.
Janet is survived by her sisters, Virginia 'Ginny' (Wesley) Carlson, Patricia (Paul) Tinsley of Glenview, IL and Evanie (Don) Williams of Missouri; nephews, Joe Carlson, Nick Tinsley and Garth Breckenridge; nieces, Kimberly Breckenridge, Holly Meadows and Elisa (Bradley) Sargent; cousins, William (Solveig) Maschke and BP Maschke; several great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by her parents; nieces, Rebekah Tinsley Klein and Jacqueline Larkin; special aunt, Leila Maschke. The family would like to thank Dierks Group Home for their compassionate care given to Janet over the past 10 years. The family would also like to thank Dr. Craig Rogers and his office staff for all their help and assistance over the years.
Funeral service at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 in Third Presbyterian Church, 1221 Custer Ave with Rev. Dr. Murray Hanson officiating. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2014 in Belvidere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Milestone Inc., 4060 McFarland Road, Rockford, IL 61111 or Third Presbyterian Church, 1221 Custer Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103. To extend condolences visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com