Janis M. Elliott “Jimmy”, New London, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family following a brief illness on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Brewster Village in Appleton, WI.
She was born on May 20, 1932 in Merrill, WI, the daughter of the late Joseph and Esther (Sell) Fredette. Janis was united in marriage to Captain Bernard Elliott on January 27, 1951. He preceded her in death in 1986. Janis raised ten children and prayed the Rosary often. She was a good cook and loved to knit for her children. Janis loved to be surrounded by her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. She loved her fresh flowers and collecting rosaries, nativity scenes and cardinal bird figurines.
Janis is survived by her children: Michael (Marilyn) Elliott of Sequim, WA; Susan (Charles) Jalette of Appleton; Charles (Debra) Elliott of Appleton; Julie (Jerry) Sajbel of Fort Mill, SC; Kristine “Tina” Tibbens of Appleton; Kathleen “Kate” Pulido of New London; and Matthew Elliott of Appleton; 26 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law: Albert (Pam) Elliott of Juneau, AK; James Elliott of Montague, TX; and Lloyd (Jan) Pukis of South Dakota; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Littlefield (Edward) of Geneva, IL. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Janis was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Paul and Dola Pukis; daughter, Mary Retzlaff; two sons, Bernie and Kevin Elliott; sons-in-law, Robert Retzlaff Sr., Ron Jalette, Carl Tibbens, and Rick Pulido; granddaughter Samantha Elliott; a sister, Joyce Elliott; brothers-in-law, Paul Pukis and Bill Elliott and a sister-in-law Dorothy Wright.
A Funeral Mass for Janis will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating. Burial will be in the Most Precious Blood Cemetery, New London. For those loved ones who are unable to travel to be with us to celebrate Janis’s life, the mass will be available to view at www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com
The family would like to extend a special thank you to staff, caregivers, and Janis’s friends at Oak Ridge Gardens in Menasha, as well as all staff, caregivers, and friends at Brewster Village in Appleton. A special thank you goes to Janis’s dear friend, Geri, and her special caregivers Ricky (Felix), all of whom she picked on daily. A final thank you goes to ThedaCare Hospice, including Christina, Melissa, and Joan for their dedicated and loving care of Janis.
Mom, I know you were ready to go but I wasn’t ready for you to go. I will miss our little rides and all the days we spent together. Please watch over me and my family. Give Carl, Dad, Mary, Bernie and Kevin a big hug from me. Until we meet again, Love, Tina
Mom, You have once again joined the choir. The celestial choir of heavenly angels. I can already hear the sweet sound of your voice. Amidst the thousands of angelic voices your voice will always stand out. I don’t know why the good Lord handed you such a plate full, but you didn’t flinch and met everything head-on. You had the strength of a lion and passed it on to all your kids. I was, am and always will be proud to be your daughter and call you Mom. To the moon and back. Love, Susan
Dear Mama, YOU were my rock! When we talked your wisdom rang through with sound advice. Some of your favorites – “When it comes to your children you have to pick your battles.” “Life is to short, just get over it!” “God works in mysterious ways “My heart is in pieces, I miss you so much already, God made his decision and I know you are at peace. I will think of you every day with a smile on my face, you were the best! Love Julie
Mom, the strongest woman I know, the matriarch of our family. I will miss you, more than words can express. I will take with me all the knowledge and wisdom you shared. Thank you for always being there for me! And teaching me how to make gravy. I love you and I will miss you. May your Harbor Lights always shine! Love Kate
Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com