Janis Calhoun

In remembrance of Janis Calhoun

Janis Elizabeth Calhoun passed away peacefully on the morning of September 10, 2020, due to cancer and the subsequent effect of an unexpected stroke.  She was born August 21, 1934 in Denver, Colorado to John B. Lengel and Jane M. Lengel. In the days and weeks leading up to her death Janis had been living an active, joyful and independent life, which included playing tennis, being with family and of course, practicing and playing her piano.

Janis was a long-time Denver Resident, Native Coloradoan and Daughter of Colorado Homesteaders.  Her long and vibrant life was marked by many shared adventures, travel and personal achievements.  From an early age she loved music and learned to play piano, which became her first love. She was a dedicated student, both academically as well as to the practice and study of classical music.  Janis graduated from Englewood High School and went on to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO.  At C.U. she received her Bachelor of Arts degree along with her Doctor of Extra Curriculuum in Abstruse Arts­­­­­­­­­­­.  Following her graduation from C.U. Janis had the opportunity to work with the United States Air Force, as a civilian educator and she embraced the wonderful opportunity to travel abroad as a young teacher. In her teaching travels she was stationed in both Germany and Japan while also taking time to visit and travel to other countries, including Morocco. This, according to Janis, was one of the most fun and exciting periods of her young life.  Following her return stateside, Janis chose to “go to work” and became a teacher of children. She did so with the Denver Public Schools, spanning a 30+ year career, during which time she developed many close and lasting friendships with colleagues as well as former students and their families. During her teaching career, Janis also earned her master’s degree in teaching from Adams State College.

Following her retirement, Janis was able to re-dedicate herself to her music and piano. At her Denver home, she “popped the top” and had an addition designed and built, where she practiced, played with friends and gave lessons to students of all ages.  Her music studio was her oasis of happiness.

Janis was a loving and devoted daughter,sister, mother and grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She will forever be a cherished symbol of strength, wisdom, love and comfort.  Janis lived a life that prioritized the richness of education, classical music, art, family and friendship.  She never let the status quo define the way she chose to live her life or treat her neighbor.  Janis was a true, and present-day matriarch.  As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Janis was the bedrock, caregiver, supporter, and teacher for her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She cherished and loved her family and friends just as they all cherish and love her. Janis was always in her family and friends’ corner and she believed that loyalty is a consequence of leadership and leadership is a touchstone of competence.

Janis is survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Lengel; her son, Craig L. Calhoun; grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth Calhoun, John Christopher Calhoun, Andrew Charles Calhoun; plus, two great-grandchildren, Addison Blu Aragon and Christopher Watson Aragon along with her many nieces, nephews and cousins.  All of whom she loved and touched deeply.

Please join us in celebrating her life Friday afternoon October 2, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Horan and McConaty Mortuary, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, Colorado 80246. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Colorado Public Radio at https://secure.cpr.org/subscribe/renew.php?channel=n

Topic: Remembering Janis Calhoun ❤️

Time: Oct 2, 2020 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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