Janet Elizabeth Gregory

GREGORY, Janet Elizabeth Passed away August 10, 2013. Born on July 25, 1921 in Arborg, Manitoba Canada to American parents, Edward and Martha Weber. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Daniel Wilson Gregory; devoted daughter, Wende Gregory-Frei (Daniel) of Bright, Ontario Canada; son, Shelby Gregory of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; Linda Reuschle "favorite person" of Jacksonville, Florida; sister-in-law, Rachel Harding of Cleveland, Tennessee; great friend, Syble Johnson of Hendersonville, Tennessee; several nieces and nephews. Janet was a passionate person. Wherever Janet lived there was an invisible sign "Dump All Stray Animals & People Here". She loved the environment, cooking, gardening, fishing, people, animals, birds, golf and especially children. Janet was an example that we are never too old to make a difference. After Dan's retirement from Genesco they divided their time between Cedar Creek Club and the Florida Keys. Janet was an avid fisherman. She received the highest environmental award the State of Florida gives for her work on protecting the Queen Conch. She was only the second woman to receive it and the first being the woman who saved the Everglades. She noticed that the ospreys (fish hawks) nesting sites were disappearing. She convinced the telephone company to reinstall the wooden poles they had been removing and replacing with concrete poles. Dan then built nesting platforms to place on top. They reestablished the ospreys in the Lower Keys. In the 1980's she spearheaded the founding and funding of the Lebanon Humane Shelter. She always kept dog food in her car for strays. She was gifted with a fantastic sense of humor to which all who came in contact with her will attest. The Pavilion in Lebanon, where Janet resided the last 3 years, said she was the funniest resident they had ever known. Our thanks forever to all the staff who became Janet's family. They are all the kindest and most loving people we have ever known. Janet loved them all. Janet said we all need to leave a legacy. Janet's was LOVE and LAUGHTER. To honor her memory donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund or local Animal Shelter. A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2013 at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.