Jeannette Rita Biritz

Jeannette (Jan) Rita Biritz, 94, passed away peacefully at her home, fulfilling her final wish to remain in the home she loved. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on November 16, 1931, Jan was the daughter of the late George Griffin and Germaine Clara (Frenette) Griffin.

Jan often shared fond memories of her coastal childhood, recounting stories of living near the beaches of Cape Cod and the cherished family clam bakes prepared by her mother. On October 15, 1955, she married James (Jim) Francis Biritz, with whom she shared many wonderful years until his passing in 1995. Later in life, she found joy and companionship with David Tucker; the two spent over 20 years together before his death.

A woman of many talents, Jan was an avid trout fisherman, a skilled seamstress, world class pie maker and a lifelong lover of dance. Her spirited energy and stories of the New England shore will be deeply missed.

Jan possessed many great gifts, but her love of family was chief among them. Brimming with unconditional love, she was always her children’s greatest champion.

The love of her grandchildren was beautifully illustrated by the feelings that one shared while remembering their grandmother, “Oh what I’d do to just hold her hand again. That was one of my favorite things, how she’d hold your hand. Almost better than a hug.”

She is survived by her four children, all of the Kansas City area: Michelle Biritz and Jay Sutera, Denise (George) Sroor, Tina (Kim) Howard, and Michael (Jenny) Biritz. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Paige (Joe) Kim, Courtney (Nathan) Burton, Hannah (Jake) Kaufmann, and Annie Biritz; and her great-grandchildren, Brody Kim and Sophia Burton. Jan was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her partner David, and her sisters, Doris Chase and Irene Rodriques.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Judy, Melinda, and Alissa. These "Angels of Care" provided the loving support that allowed Jan to remain in her home as she desired. The family also wishes to thank Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care for their help, guidance and compassion.

Visitation is 11 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Mass will also be held at the church at noon. Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to KC Hospice and Palliative Care.