Janet E. McDonnell, 83, died on March 31, 2024. Janet was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Dale and Ann Fox. She graduated from West Technical High School in Cleveland. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1977 and subsequently completed the dietetic internship program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in 1978.
Licensed for many years as a Registered Dietician, Janet worked in several Hot Springs healthcare institutions, specializing in hospital dietetics, pediatric weight management, and nutrition for patients undergoing renal dialysis. She also served as an instructor of nutrition at the Baptist School of Nursing in Little Rock.
Janet loved dogs. She was an enthusiastic member of the Hot Springs Kennel Club and Hot Springs Pet Therapy, and she was instrumental in starting the Paws to Read program at the Garland County Library. She enjoyed taking her therapy dogs to visit preschool children and nursing home residents. She also participated with her dogs in the Kennel Club’s Rally Novice competitions.
Janet had a passion for international travel, visiting 49 different countries. Among her favorite travel destinations were Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Iceland, Kenya, and Hungary. She represented Hot Springs on a delegation to Hanamaki, Japan in 2009 as part of the Sister Cities Program.
Janet is survived by her children William (Anji) of Omaha NE, Kathy Atkinson of North Little Rock, and Bryan (Michelle) of Hot Springs; grandchildren Elizabeth, David, and Avery; and her sister Judy Dostal.
A private memorial service for the family is planned.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Garland County.
