Janet Lucille Long (Frattura) passed away on May 19, 2024, two days before her 87th birthday in Whitewater, Wisconsin, after a persistent fight against Alzheimer’s disease. She was 86 years old, but her family is rounding up to 87.
Janet is survived by her children Dennis Long and Elise Frattura; her granddaughters Sydney Frattura Kampschroer (George) and Addyson Frattura Kampschroer; her cousin, Annabelle Pearce as well as many extended family members and friends. Janet is preceded in death by her parents John and Loretta Frattura (Leby); by her infant daughter, Lucille Long; and by her lifelong best friend Patti Fillinger.
Janet was born on May 21, 1937, in Akron, Ohio. She attended St. Vincent’s High School in Akron and Akron University where she was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. She taught elementary school at Saint Martha’s in Akron and was a substitute teacher for many years. She later became an area director of childcare programs in the Chicago area as well as Baltimore, Maryland. Janet enjoyed her time spent in Baltimore and being near the water and lighthouses. She relocated back to Wisconsin to be close to her daughter and granddaughters and had lived in Whitewater for 23 years.
Janet deeply treasured her time spent with her granddaughters, from watching them play tee-ball to softball, to not missing a single swim meet. She was always the first one there. She was consistently available to bring them home from dances, to stop for an after-school treat, and to support her granddaughters as they grew up. Janet remained playful as she played make-believe with her granddaughters and of course was always up for dancing in the rain. As Janet’s granddaughters grew up and left Whitewater, she never missed mailing cards to their dorms or dropped anything to talk on the phone when they called. She loved hearing about her children and granddaughter’s pursuits and dreams.
Janet was essential to the fabric of her family’s life, and on this day of her birth, she is already wholeheartedly missed by all who loved her. Her family will feel her absence at weekly dinners on the back porch, coffee get-togethers, holidays and weddings, as well as her Winnie the Pooh-like giggle. The family will miss all of her and all she was to them.
A small celebration of life will be planned for in Akron, Ohio to honor her wish to return home. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all at Mulberry Glen and Glenwood in Whitewater, Wisconsin for their unparalleled support and care. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name would be greatly appreciated.
An excerpt from The Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana.
“Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars.”
Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
