Born December 22, 1933, Janet was the daughter of Riley William and Leona Juanita “Nita” (Fann) Wheaton of Independence, Missouri. After graduating from William Chrisman High School, Janet attended Kansas City University (now UMKC) where she received an associate’s degree before starting a career in 1956 at TWA. She flew internationally from New York-La Guardia, returning home to Kansas City to become the lead supervisor at what became TWA’s Breech Academy. Janet logged more than 1 million miles with TWA and remained with the airline until 1962. She married her best friend and the love of her life, the late Judge John A. Borron, Jr., on October 3, 1959, and they made their home in Jackson County for all their 55 years together. A beautiful spirit with impeccable taste and a penchant for antiques, she and John together lovingly restored an historic 1830s farmhouse in Blue Springs that they called home until they returned to Kansas City in 1993 to become urban dwellers.
Janet supported John’s career as a lawyer and then judge through volunteer work in the Junior Service League of Independence, the Young Women’s Civic Club, the Garden Club of Blue Springs, and the Blue Springs PTA, serving as president of those clubs. A talented seamstress and accomplished pianist, she was an early member of the Junior Women’s Symphony Alliance and Bacchus, and was active in the Fashion Group of Kansas City. A striking pair on the dance floor, Janet and John were active members in the Ball Club of Kansas City for many years. Avid world travelers, they loved no place on earth more than their cherished Oxford, England, which they chose as their final resting place.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer Borron Furla; her husband, John, of Mission Hills, Kansas; and her grandson, John August Borron Furla, “Jack,” the light of her life whom she adored and of whom she was immensely proud. She leaves many adoring friends and “second” daughters and grandsons, who loved their “Nana,” and who have been inspired by and influenced by her loving ways, her style, wit, class and grace.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 21, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City. A reception will follow at the Carriage Club.
The family thanks the wonderful, dedicated caregivers at Bishop Spencer Place. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bishop Spencer Place, 4301 Madison, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
