Lee Janet (Handlos) Vineyard, 86, of Placida, FL., passed away Sunday, November 14, 2010, at her home in Placida Harbor.
Janet was born July 29, 1924, to Helen (Rade) Handlos and Joseph Frank Handlos in Land O’ Lakes, WI.
She graduated from Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame, IN, in 1942. Janet moved to Chicago, IL., and worked for a short time as a photographer’s assistant and model before returning to Land O’ Lakes and marrying Vernon Frederick Vineyard on June 23, 1945.
Wife and mother of two, Janet and her husband relocated to Winter Haven, FL in 1949. There she was partners in a local clothing store. She was also involved in many community groups and clubs, and volunteered her time to nonprofit organizations such as the American National Red Cross.
Janet and Vern loved to travel the world, but they never missed a summer at their home in WI., on Black Oak Lake where Janet was born. They were married for 65 yrs. and had a timeless love, unspoken understanding, and unbreakable bond that inspired others.
The difference between Ordinary and Extraordinary is that little Extra.
Janet Vineyard had that little Extra. She was strong, she was selfless. She made the people who knew her, and those who didn’t, but where fortunate to cross her path, smile bigger, laugh louder, and feel the sunshine on the darkest of days. Sadly, the world has lost an ‘original’, someone truly special.
Heaven, indeed, has an angel; they call her Janet.
She was preceded in death by her husband in Oct. 2010; and her parents.
Survivors include daughter, Helen Jo Pierce of Port Charlotte, FL.; son, Philip Porter Vineyard Jr. of Charleston, S.C.; three grandchildren, Rade Gratton of Okauchee, WI., Lee A. Volpe of Sarasota, FL., and Sarah Porter Vineyard of Charleston, S.C.; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held by the family for both Janet and Vern on their Anniversary, June 23, 2011, in Land O’ Lakes, WI.
Donations may be sent to Salvation Army Charlotte County Corps, P.O. Box 495126, Port Charlotte, FL 33949-5126; Mayo Clinic – Dept. of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the guest book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.