Janet M. Mounce

She lived an extraordinary adventurous 94 years. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 4, 1918, she belonged to the “Greatest Generation” serving as a WAVE in the United States Navy during World War II. Janet worked at Lockheed and helped build several P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft. Always a proud Navy veteran, she saluted every flag – her last salute to the flag came only two days before her death.

As a young girl, Janet was a Girl Scout and was became a Golden Eaglet (equivalent to an Eagle Scout) the highest award bestowed upon a Girl Scout. As an adult, Janet was a Girl Scout Leader for many years.

She had a variety of careers ranging from working in Washington DC for the US State Department, to delivering mail in a jeep for the military in Alaska.

Janet travelled extensively throughout all 50 states as well as Canada, Mexico and Japan. During summer vacation, Janet packed her three children, Tingo the Siamese cat and Grandma into the Buick and off they went exploring many of the National Parks throughout the US.

After nurturing her children through school, Janet went back to school and graduated from Los Angeles Valley College as one of the oldest members of the graduating class!

Janet lived in Burbank, California for over 50 years, and celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends before moving to Santa Barbara 4 years ago. Janet loved butterflies, swimming, air shows, the ocean, Christmas lights, Car Night at Bob’s Drive In, German Shepards and other big dogs, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, Guide Dogs, and the fire service. (She had been known to hitch a ride on a fire engine!) Her age never stopped her, at 89 she rode the high wire bicycle (3 stories above the ground) at the Science and Industry Museum to the cheers of Patti, Katie and the Mother’s Day crowds!

Janet also loved visiting zoos and the animals, especially giraffes, as does her granddaughter Katie. Janet’s last outing was to the zoo to see the new baby giraffes! Janet loved and supported the Guide Dogs of America for many years. Janet also supported the Search Dogs in Ojai, especially when she found that many of their dogs were rescue dogs and one was a failed guide dog puppy that went on to find its career as a Search Dog.

Janet’s children were brought up to love animals, cars, aircraft, travelling, NASA, adventure, and respect for nature. Every holiday was a cause for celebration and decorations. If there was a parade, you went, and you stood as the American Flag came down the street. As a veteran, she celebrated Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day as days of remembrance.

Janet will be greatly missed by her three children and their families, Patti Haley and daughter Katie Haley of Burbank, Jeff Mounce and spouse Bruce of San Francisco, Robin Torrellas, spouse George and children Kelly, Patrick and Andrew of Goleta, as well as many friends and acquaintances.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Guide Dogs of America, Sylmar California or the Search Dog Foundation in Ojai, California.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.