Janet A. Heller

Janet Ann Heller, 80, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully at 3:04 am on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center with her son Greg by her side. Janet was born October 12, 1941 in Galesburg, the daughter of Earl E. Haines and Margaret D. (Pennebaker) Haines. Janet graduated from Galesburg Senior High School in 1959, and married Larry Eugene Heller on December 30, 1961 in Galesburg. Janet is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey (Sharida) Heller of Portland, ME and Gregory L. Heller of Bloomington, IL, and beloved friend Kathy Price of Galesburg, who is considered a family member. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Larry in 2020. At age 3, Janet contracted polio and spent much of her early childhood paralyzed in the children's polio ward of St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. Her doctors predicted she would not walk again, nor be able to have children. Janet worked hard to overcome her handicap and after several bone surgeries and years of physical therapy, she was able to do both. After graduating from high school, Janet briefly worked in a Galesburg law office before moving on to OSF St. Mary Medical Center. She started in the Lab but spent the majority of her 30 years there as a medical transcriptionist. In 1980 the Galesburg Pilot Club awarded Janet the "Handicapped Professional Woman of the Year", recognizing her persistence and initiative in surmounting her handicap. In 1989 Janet retired due to the worsening effects of her post-polio syndrome. In retirement, Janet became an enthusiastic Chicago Cubs fan. Her parents had loved baseball and attempted to visit every major league ballpark in America when she was a youngster. Unfortunately, Janet's idea of a good vacation did not include long cross-country drives in an un-airconditioned automobile, on pre-Eisenhower Interstate roads. These annual baseball excursions seemed to permanently sour Janet on both travel and baseball. So it was much to her family's surprise when the Cubbies finally won her heart. Janet also discovered her creative side, and found much joy in making and selling crafts. Her artistic pins were very popular. A friend showed them to the fashion jewelry buyer at Nordstrom's in Chicago, who ordered 3 dozen at Christmas time, and they sold every one. Janet's kitchen table was a popular gathering place for neighbors and friends. She was always happy to lend an ear and keep your coffee cup full. Janet was a member of Galesburg's Trinity Lutheran Church. Jeff, Sharida and Greg would like to thank Kathy Price and her family for all their love and support. Cremation has been accorded. A service will be held at East Linwood Cemetery's Scattering Gardens Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 2 pm. A reception will follow at Thomas Legacy Center from 3-5 pm. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Guardian Angels. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.