Janet Anita Conner

Janet Conner, 87, passed away February 14, 2021. She donated her body to the University of Iowa Medical School hoping their research will discover more about Meige Syndrome, the rare neurological condition that limited her activities in recent years.

Janet was an accomplished pianist and her high school friends always wanted her to play Sabre Dance. In fact, a newspaper article stated that she made Sabre Dance popular! While attending Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, one of Janet’s honors was to be chosen for the WAA-MU Show, a popular annual musical. Another privilege was to be elected Military Ball Queen. After graduation, Janet entered stewardess training for United Airlines. However, she was “grounded” because of her marriage! In those days, you could not be married and be a stewardess. The couple lived in Alaska for 1-year as her husband was stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks.

She later received her Master’s Degree at the University of Montana where the family spent summers with her in-laws. Janet was a teacher and counselor at Valley High School for 32-years. After retirement she enjoyed playing bridge, motor home camping, hiking in the national parks, and visiting all 50 states. Janet eventually had to withdraw from most of her groups due to complications from the Meige Syndrome, but her Galilean Sunday School class was an important and fun part of her life for many years.

One of Janet’s greatest joys was the birth of her daughter, Brenda. Her granddaughter, Allison is her pride and joy and both are her great blessings.

A service to honor Janet’s life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be dedicated to Wesley Life Hospice.

The family sends a special thank you to Kris and the rest of the Wesley hospice staff.

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