- Born on: January 21, 1944
- Departed on: December 12, 2023
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Janet Kay Heald
Janet Kay Heald, beloved mother, grandmother, and caregiver, peacefully passed away on December 12th, 2023, at Mercy Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa. Born on January 21st, 1944, in Estherville, Iowa, Janet was a loving daughter of Hattie E. (Vandenburg) and James E. Smith.
Janet's journey was filled with numerous meaningful milestones. She graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1961 before beginning her career as a telephone switchboard operator. In 1963, she married and settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where she became a dedicated homemaker. In 1982, Janet embarked on a new chapter as a single mother, raising her two boys while also establishing an in-home daycare. Through her daycare, she impacted numerous young lives, fostering deep connections that lasted for years. Janet had a lifelong commitment to her disabled son Kevin, she dedicated herself as his primary caregiver until September 2023.
Janet discovered solace and joy through her faith, as an active member of First Assembly of God Church in Cedar Rapids. She found comfort in the church community and cherished her time spent there. Family and friends were also an integral part of Janet's life, and she cherished the moments shared with them.
Janet leaves behind a legacy in the hearts of her two sons, Kevin Heald of Marion, IA, and Todd (Jill) Heald of Fairfax, IA, also, six grandchildren, Taylor, Alex, Karsyn, Spencer, Avery, and Weston. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Ron, Byrl, and Duane Smith, and two sisters, Marlys Smith, and Marlene Thurman.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate Intensive Care nurses and Chaplain Tammy of Mercy Hospital of Cedar Rapids for providing exceptional care during Janet's final days. The staff at Harmony of Cedar Rapids also played a crucial role in her wellbeing prior to her admission to the hospital. Additionally, the family expresses gratitude toward Pastor Rick Gail, whose enduring friendship with Janet brought comfort during her final hours.
In accordance with Janet's wishes, no services or celebrations of life will be held. Her body has been cremated, and her ashes will be spread by the family during a later time. Janet's memory will forever remain alive within the hearts of all those she touched throughout her remarkable life.
Janet's journey was filled with numerous meaningful milestones. She graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1961 before beginning her career as a telephone switchboard operator. In 1963, she married and settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where she became a dedicated homemaker. In 1982, Janet embarked on a new chapter as a single mother, raising her two boys while also establishing an in-home daycare. Through her daycare, she impacted numerous young lives, fostering deep connections that lasted for years. Janet had a lifelong commitment to her disabled son Kevin, she dedicated herself as his primary caregiver until September 2023.
Janet discovered solace and joy through her faith, as an active member of First Assembly of God Church in Cedar Rapids. She found comfort in the church community and cherished her time spent there. Family and friends were also an integral part of Janet's life, and she cherished the moments shared with them.
Janet leaves behind a legacy in the hearts of her two sons, Kevin Heald of Marion, IA, and Todd (Jill) Heald of Fairfax, IA, also, six grandchildren, Taylor, Alex, Karsyn, Spencer, Avery, and Weston. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Ron, Byrl, and Duane Smith, and two sisters, Marlys Smith, and Marlene Thurman.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate Intensive Care nurses and Chaplain Tammy of Mercy Hospital of Cedar Rapids for providing exceptional care during Janet's final days. The staff at Harmony of Cedar Rapids also played a crucial role in her wellbeing prior to her admission to the hospital. Additionally, the family expresses gratitude toward Pastor Rick Gail, whose enduring friendship with Janet brought comfort during her final hours.
In accordance with Janet's wishes, no services or celebrations of life will be held. Her body has been cremated, and her ashes will be spread by the family during a later time. Janet's memory will forever remain alive within the hearts of all those she touched throughout her remarkable life.
