Janet L. Alfred

Janet Louise Alfred, 83 passed away on January 2, 2023, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Overland Park, Kansas

Janet was born April 2, 1939, in Watseka, IL to Louise (Rhoades) and Wendell Flesher. After graduating high school Jan went on to attend nurses training in Chicago, IL. During this time in Chicago, she also met Harold Willis. Education came first so Jan graduated from nurses training in the spring of 1960 and she and Hal were married in the fall of 1960. Jan began her nursing career as well as motherhood as Hal and Jan were blessed with two daughters.
Jan's spirit was never ending. This is happening during the mid 1960's. Being a career nurse, mom of 2 young girls and then being told that your youngest daughter can't hear. She became heavily involved in creating WSPD; West Suburban Parents of the Deaf and HII-FI; which was a hearing impaired interfaith day camp for kiddos and their siblings. She turned into an advocate for the deaf children and their education and their opportunities. Again, Jan's spirit was never ending.

Almost twenty years later and several states lived in between God blessed Jan again. She was living in Olathe, KS still working as a nurse, when she met Joseph Alfred. Their courtship blossomed into a new years eve marriage in 1983. Jan was gratified working as a registered nurse for forty years until her retirement in 2001. She felt it was a very rewarding career, as she had spent most of it helping mothers and their newborn babies. She loved it! It was her nature to care for people. Coming to Kansas City also meant that she became a KC Chiefs convert. And she never did anything halfway. She was an instant fan, even in the rough days. She and Joe enjoyed watching them as season ticket holders in the early days. Jan sure was smiling in the more recent days though. Jan would have memorabilia surrounding her as she was cheering them on, even though it was from the more reasonable climate-control
comfort of home sitting in her recliner.

Jan and Joe's marriage lasted 33 years until his death on July 30, 2016. She is also preceded in death by her parents Louise and Wendell Flesher and older brother Jim.

She is survived by her children; Christine Johnson, of Kansas City, KS, Michele DelBrail her husband Darrin of Arrlington, TX, Jill Wright her husband Phil of Bramleton, VA, Joy Alfred of Olathe, KS and Jody Alfred of Olathe, KS. Three grandchildren; Matthew, Ashleigh and Nataly. Sister-in-law Dorine, brother Jerry, his wife Carol, sister Judy, her husband Hal, sister-in-law Lynn, brother-in-law Robert, along with cousins, nieces, nephews and scores of those who are considered family.

Jan wished to be cremated and there will be a private ceremony for her immediate family at a later date. Memorial donations in Jan's honor may be made out to St. Judes Childrens Hospital. Jan will be missed by many and loved forever. She is one of a kind and always will be…

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