Janet Kay Gleason

Janet Kay Gleason, 45, Woodstock, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born Feb. 15, 1967, in Harvey to Byron Gleason and Diane (Jeske) Gleason.  

She loved vacationing at lakes and the ocean, reading, music, shopping, talking on the phone and spending time with her nieces, nephews, family and friends.  

She was a longtime blood and platelet donor and volunteer for Habitat of Humanity.  

She was a valued employee at IBS America Inc. of Massachusetts, where she worked as an implementation specialist. The company recently created an employee award in her honor.

Survivors include her father, Woodstock; her mother, Fletcher, N.C.; two sisters, Susan (Roscoe) Stelford and Nancy Gleason, both of Woodstock; a brother, Byron (Karin) Gleason, Fletcher; two nieces, Samantha Stelford, Woodstock, and Hannah Gleason, Fletcher; two nephews; Alex Stelford, Woodstock, and Bryce Gleason, Fletcher; and many other family members and close friends.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Twin Oaks Baptist Church, 15N615 Randall Road, Sleepy Hollow, followed by a private memorial service.

The Rev. Jerry Gleason, her uncle, will officiate.

Memorials and donations in her name can be sent to The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Northwestern University Office of Development, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, with checks made payable to Northwestern University.

Arrangements were private.