Janet Joseph Ettus was a long term resident of Ormond Beach. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and left her imprint on friends and family.

Born Janet Allayne to Isador and Hazel Joseph on September 24, 1924, she spent her initial years in Buffalo, NY, enjoying the brisk winters and gentle summers that marked living in Western New York. Her family had strong ties, a feature she emulated in her later married years. Jan graduated from Layfayette High in 1941 and then attended the University of Buffalo, now a part of the SUNY System. When World War II broke out, she went to work for the Curtiss Wright Company, serving on the Air Force Plant Representative's staff.
After the war she resumed her studies, and also became active in the Eastern Star organization. She progressed to the office of Matron, Perseverance Chapter, one of the youngest ever to achieve this status. She was also deeply involved in charitable activities, and devoted endless hours to needy families and wounded veterans. A rabid sports fan, Jan could be found at games rooting for her favorite Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

Later in 1948, she met Myron Ettus, a recent engineering graduate and war veteran. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on June 25, 1949. It was a love affair that lasted over 66 years. A daughter, Barbara, was born on Christmas day 1950; and a son, Douglas, followed on Mothers day 1953. These special dates always made their birthdays more memorable. With the children, Jan became an All American Mom, squiring them through doctors, schoolwork, religious school, cub scouts, little league, PTA. She organized carpools and saw them through special classes. Along with her husband, Jan instilled in the children those intangibles that enabled them to succeed in school, in work, and in life.

When her husband changed company's in 1959 and had to move to Syracuse, NY, Jan worked closely with him to minimize the time they were separated. In short order, they settled on location, housing style and builder and were soon back in business as a family. She took over integrating the kids into their new environment, joining a new religious institution and making new friends. Several of those friendships have survived to the present. As with everywhere she'd been, Jan thoroughly enjoyed the Syracuse area, and was a fan at the university football games.

Syracuse was short lived. GE had won an important contract on the Apollo Program in 1962 and was relocating activities to Daytona Beach, FL. Fortunately, their house sold quickly, enabling the move to Florida as a family. No one had any inkling that this was to be their home for the next 50 some years. Once again, Jan was the stabilizing force in getting everyone settled. The children were placed in school, the family joined Temple Beth-el, and she worked closely with the builder to expedite completion of their new home. She made new friends, and became more active in temple affairs, heading the Sisterhood several times and teaching Sunday school for years. She led a full life.

In Florida, she watched her family mature. Both children went through the local school system and graduated college. They left home to pursue their careers, eventually married, had children of their own and are repeating the cycle of life. Their daughter resides in California; their son in Virginia.

When Jan's husband retired, they were able to travel extensively. She had a wonderful time wherever they went and made several new friends. Her favorite trips, however, were to her children's homes and the family get-togethers at Thanksgiving. She was a loving grandmother who was always available to sit in for the parents when they had to be away. It made no difference if she had to go to California or Virginia. She was always available.

Jan led a full social life and had many friends. She enjoyed playing bridge, both with her husband and some women's groups. She maintained her keen interest in sports and rooted for Florida U and Duke Teams which represented the schools her children attended. She was a modern woman with a touch of old fashioned customs and grace. She was always upbeat and leaves all who knew her - both friends and family - with wonderful memories.

She is survived by her loving husband, Myron; a daughter, Barbara (Peter) Fischer of Westlake, CA; a son, Douglas (Patti) Ettus of Williamsburg, VA; four grandchildren, Marc and Robyn Fischer, and Ryan and Megan Ettus.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday March 11, 2016 at Temple Beth-El, 579 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.