Janet L. Nelson

Janet Lou Nelson, 75, went to the life eternal Sunday morning October 22, 2023, with family by her side.
Janet was born in Niskayuna, New York in 1948 to David and Althea Nelson. She was a 1966 graduate of
Niskayuna High School and attended New York University.
Janet married Robert Munn, a high school sweetheart in 1968. They were married for 16 years. They
purchased a home in Canton, Connecticut and that became Janet’s home for the remainder of her life
until she needed additional care. She moved to Ithaca New York in 2023 to be closer to family.
Janet was a mom to three beloved pets during her life. Sabrina (1970-1987) a black cat that strayed in
and stayed for 17 years. Nickole (1970-1983) was a white toy poodle that won everyone over, even
those people that thought poodles weren’t real dogs. Benjamin (1977-1982) was Nickole’s pup that had
a twinkle in his eye. Alex (1982-1999) was a silver toy poodle who came to the family after Benjamin
died. He lived to the ripe old age of 17 and was truly treated as royalty. Janet had a very deep love for
animals.
Janet’s career was at The Hartford in Connecticut as a computer programmer advancing to systems
analyst, developer, consultant and workload coordinator. She retired after 35 years in 2003.
In retirement, Janet enjoyed traveling with family and partner and friend Jim Kenworthy. Trips to Ponce
Inlet and the Reeder family reunions were some of the highlights for her. She thoroughly enjoyed her
retirement and was able to focus on genealogy – becoming a master genealogist. Janet and her sister
Marilyn spent hours and days combing through books and censuses building the database for our family
to over 60,000 entries. Joan and Don spent many visits assisting Janet with the care of her home, garden
and yard in Canton. A lobster dinner on Janet’s birthday became a tradition she very much enjoyed.
Janet’s genealogy connections, retirement groups and bridge groups were a great source of happiness.
Family holidays were important to Janet. Christmas with family in Niskayuna and Schenectady, New
Years in West Monroe, Memorial Day in Orwell and Rome, and Thanksgiving was held at Janet’s home
and then rotated to different family locations through the years. Janet spent a great deal of time with
Madi and Chuck in later years in Freeville New York as her health and mobility became challenging. Right
before her move to New York, Janet was cared for by Karen and her son Wyatt. They became like a second
family to her and allowed her to stay in her beloved home for as long as was possible.
Janet treasured all her friendships and connections. She gave the best long hugs. She thanks all her
caregivers through the years, and our family -and Janet – especially thank the staff at Beechtree for their
care and attention through her final days.
Janet is survived by two sisters, Marilyn (Bart) Bisgrove and Joan (Don) Haury; Niece, Madi (Chuck) Alridge;
Nephew, Steve (Debbie) Bisgrove; three grandnieces and a grandnephew, and many other close cousins.
Janet also maintained connection to the Munn family throughout her life.
Janet was predeceased by her mother and father, Althea and David Nelson and lifelong friend Robert
Munn.
Funeral services will be held at Traub Funeral Home in Central Square, NY on October 31, 2023. Calling
hours are 11-12 with the service following. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Orwell New York will immediately
follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canton Land Conservation Trust.

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