Janet Denton

Janet 'Jan' Denton, 68, of Ft. Myers FL passed away on Friday May 30th 2014 surrounded by her family at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday at 10:00 at St. Patrick's church in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday at the Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be at Calvary in Springfield at a later date. Janet was born in Nashville, Illinois on May 29, 1946 to Edward and Caroline Novak. She had two younger siblings, Paulette and Don. In 1968 while working for United Funeral Directors in Springfield IL, she met her husband Barry. They were married on April 26th 1969 in Salem IL and had two children Dean and Stacy. In 1986 Jan and Barry moved to Ottawa where they owned the Honda car dealership until 2008. While living in Ottawa, Jan was a member of St. Patrick's church, Seneca Oak Ridge Ladies 9, Carrettos bowling league, and Pine Hills Ladies Golf League. Jan and Barry were enjoying their retirement in Ft. Myers FL. Jan is survived by her husband Barry; daughter, Stacy Denton; step-daughter, Tiff (Eamonn); three grandchildren, Kieran, Kaileigh and Megan; one sister, Paulette (Eugene) Piasecki; one brother, Don Novak; her mother, Caroline Novak; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son, Dean Denton and her father Edward Novak. Jan was a loving, devoted wife of 45 years. She was a hero and best friend to her children and cherished by her grandchildren. Her friends and family will remember her infectious smile and her kind heart that always saw the best and ignored the worst in all of us. She will be remembered by all whose hearts she touched. Pallbearers will be Larry Bartman, Rich Gelbuda, Eamonn Gibson, Kieran Gibson, Joe McMahon, and Joe Shanley. Honorary pallbearers Pete Carusona, Jim Corredato, Gary Donnelly, Don Novak, Bill Ragan, and Tom Shea. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Ottawa Friendship House 1718 N. 2525 Road, Ottawa, IL 61350.