"My prayers have been with each of you over the past week. I know our Heavenly father welcomed Janet and will comfort each of you. My fondest memories of Janet are from a visit I had with her when she lived in Salina KS. We made a 7 layer cookie that was decadent and I loved them. I have looked and looked for the recipe. I also remember her showing pictures of Jim who was so handsome and she was so happy. Obviously a good match for both of them with 55 yeats together. Jeanne newell morgan "
In loving memory of
Janet Sue Elman
October 11, 1942 - March 12, 2021
Janet Sue Elman, 78, of Garfield, Texas was called home on March 12, 2021. Janet was born on October 11, 1942 in Stafford, Kansas to parents Edward and Hulda Lichte.
For 33 years, Janet worked for the Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Office supporting the United States Air Force. In her personal life, Janet was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. In addition to her family, many people thought of Janet as family and she reciprocated this feeling. Above all, she was an incredible grandmother and great-grandmother. This aspect of her life not only permeated her existence but was her defining quality. When her grandchildren were young, there were annual trips to Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld, and as they grew up, she visited her grandchildren no matter the distance. She always provided supporting phone calls - especially on long road trips to help them pass the time; and there were always endless amounts of cookies and other baked goods given in person and sent through the mail. Her grandchildren were very happy when they received special handmade pillowcases, not only for them but for friends, roommates, and fellow active duty Marines. Known to them as "Grandma" and "Mawgaw" - she was their first best friend and always gave her grandchildren the best hugs in the world.
Janet was also a creative soul who crafted with multiple media throughout her lifetime. Her creativity began in high school when Janet worked with wood to create a desk that is still in use today. She also painted a few tropical landscapes early in her life. In her early years as a mother, Janet delved into baking and decorating cakes, and making other baked goods. Her family and friends benefited from her baking skills through cakes for birthdays and weddings. Her children's school classmates through the years also benefited - receiving wonderful (and sometimes personalized) cookies and cupcakes.
Other creative outlets included working with ceramics, stained glass, throwing pottery, and a lifetime of sewing. Anyone who knew Janet knew she was an avid sewer - whether it was applique, cross-stitch, or quilting. Janet made many quilts during her life and, if you received a quilt from her, you were in her inner circle.
Janet's many talents were not limited to arts and crafts. An accomplished vocalist and accompanist, she performed in church choirs and, at one point in her life, sang alto in the Austin Civic Chorus alongside her daughter. It was inspiring to stand next to her during the singing of church hymns, because you were treated to a flawless harmony to go along with the melody of the song. Janet could also grace the ear with her piano and organ accompaniment.
Janet could always be counted on to support her family members in their individual endeavors. If there was a role that needed fulfilling, Janet stepped up. She always assisted her children in their Scouting pursuits. From Girl Scout cookie sales to Boy Scout Gymboree ticket sales, she was always with them at the base exchange on Saturday mornings to lend a hand. A proud parent, Janet could also be found on the sidelines of many sporting events to support her children. Furthermore, many elementary school field days would also find Janet ready with an ice chest full of popsicles or ice cream sandwiches for her children to enjoy with their friends.
Another role that inspired her children and fellow peers was her volunteer work. She supported her husband's firefighting activities and was a past president of the Catholic Daughters of America. Janet was always available to lend her organizational skills or many leadership qualities to any group in need. A succinct manner to explain her life is - if you needed help, Janet was there.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her stepdaughter Cindi Norris, and her great-grandson James Felix Barrera.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim Elman of Garfield, Texas; daughter Angelique Madere and her husband Jeffrey of Burnet, Texas; son Michael Elman and his fiancée Dawn Samaniego of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren Theresa Barrera and her husband Joe of Leander, Texas, Christopher Madere of Brownsville, Texas, and Landry Elman of Wayzata, Minnesota; great-grandsons William and Luca Barrera of Leander, Texas. She is also survived by her brother Samuel Lichte and his wife Lee Anne of Topeka, Kansas; niece Amy Bowling and her husband Kevin, nephew Jason Lichte and his wife Jenny, and many great-nieces and great-nephews; stepchildren Nanette Woodhull and Fredrick Elman and their families.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin, Texas.
Tributes
"My prayers have been with each of you over the past week. I know our Heavenly father welcomed Janet and will comfort each of you. My fondest memories of Janet are from a visit I had with her when she lived in Salina KS. We made a 7 layer cookie that was decadent and I loved them. I have looked and looked for the recipe. I also remember her showing pictures of Jim who was so handsome and she was so happy. Obviously a good match for both of them with 55 yeats together. Jeanne newell morgan "
"I just heard and was so sad to get the news of Janet\'s death. I will always remember her for her smile and positive attitude. She often told me that she was praying for me after the death of my husband (May 2018) and always made a point of asking how I was doing. My last conversation with her was to receive her congratulations on my engagement. She told me she was very happy to hear that I had found someone to share my life with again. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her here on this Earth, but I\'m betting she has reunited with a special little great grand baby who preceded her in death. James, you and all of your family are in my prayers at this time. "
"Janet was always there when you needed her. We have only great memories of her. We are truly saddened by her passing. She was part of our extended family. Sending love & prayers to Jim and all the family. I?m so sorry we couldn?t be there in person to extend our condolences & love. Love to all, Jerome & Frances Russo"
"We were lucky enough to become officially part of Janet\'s family when her granddaughter, Theresa, married our son, Joseph. To be honest though we considered her and the whole family part of our family from the first time we met. Janet was so friendly, kind, helpful, and loving. Of course that doesn\'t begin to scratch the surface of all her wonderful attributes. She was so talented in so many ways. I just loved all the wonderful sewing and stitching projects she made. So beautiful and made with loving hands. She put the same kind of effort into her wonderful baked goods. Delicious desserts for birthdays or just any other occasion. She was always happy to share her recipes. I was lucky enough to get my hands on several of them. I will think of her every time I make them. But the one trait of Janet\'s I will never forget was the great love she had for her family (whom she adored) as well as her friends, how much she cared about others and their well being. We will miss her greatly and never forget her. Annie and David"
"Janet and I were Classmates at Stafford High School. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding and very good friend. We were together at our last class reunion and that memory will be my forever good time with her. I have enjoyed many of her piano playing days and how every hard she worked at that gift. I know the Lord welcomed her with open arms and will one day have that next reunion Nancy Volker Murphy "
"I know that Janet will be missed. Jim and family are in my prayers."