Janine was born on September 21, 1955 in Scranton, PA to the late Thomas and Barbara (Davis) Foster. She grew up in Sussex County and lived all of her adult life in Andover. Prior to her retirement, she was an EMT in Sparta, NJ and a Corrections Officer at Sussex County Correctional. Janine loved swimming, enjoyed playing her guitar, and was an avid reader and gardener. Her love of the sunshine & nature often drew her outdoors and she spent many days on the golf course and ski slopes. She cherished spending time with her family and dogs.
Janine will be remembered as a person who lit up the spaces she was in. She knew how to have fun and make others feel comfortable and loved. Her youthful energy never left her. Her grandkids, nieces and nephews were instantly drawn to her at gatherings as she was always at the center of the fun. Whether she was delighting little ones in her easter bunny costume or teaching them how to make the perfect fireside s'mores, she was always up for a good time. Janine was a committed mother and grandmother of the sport of wrestling. She spent many days matside encouraging her son and grandchildren along with countless other wrestlers over the years. Her prankster persona and comedian type comments drew people to her. She found joy in small simple moments and encouraged others to do the same.
The beloved wife to William Ayres, Janine is also survived by her son, Christopher Ayres and his wife, Lori; her grandchildren, Chloe and Atticus Ayres; her sisters Karen Farley, Lynn Carr and her husband Mike; and her sisters in law Susan Ayres, Sandra Polizzo and her husband Carmine, and Debbie Healy and her husband John.
A memorial visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ. A celebration of life will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Father Johns Animal House, 50 Father Johns Ln, Lafayette, NJ 07848. Condolences can be offered to the family online at
www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com
