Dear Jan, 
Thank you for helping me "snag" the love of my life. You were a fantastic Armistead/Mervo friend. Condolences to Lew and family. Rest in peace my dear. 

Love, Yvonne


I was very close to Gina, Janet's daughter. We met online about 17 years ago and became instant friends. We roomed together at a conference for hydrocephalus, which we'd both lived with all our lives, and she was eager to learn about autism, which my son, now 26, was diagnosed with as a toddler. 

Gina's death nearly 13 years ago shattered me. I learned of it from an email her brother had sent. It was extremely sudden. We were the same age, too, which made it even more difficult. She was only two months older.

When we visited my family in VA, I connected with Lew and Janet, who were kind enough to take me to Gina's grave. They held me and allowed me to scream, cry, and come to terms. It was badly-needed closure, and I'll never forget their comfort and kindness.

A couple years later, I learned of Janet's Huntington's. I knew, and still know, very little about the disease, but I know it's horrific and am sure she showed courage and grace as she battled it. I'm relieved that her body is finally free of the pain, and that her soul is at peace.

Thank you, Janet, for your kindness and love. Rest in peace, Friend, and please hug Gina for me. <3

Janet is the absolute best example of a Mom, grandmother, and friend that I have ever met. When John Michael was born Janet was determined to make his first words "Grandma". Whenever we visited, she would hold John and recite, "grandma, grandma, grandma", with a big smile on her face. As John got older, Janet preferred that we let his hair grow, so when we took him for hair cut, she would look and John and say to him, "what did your mommy and daddy do?". Again, with a big smile on her face. That is how I remember Janet; kind, loving and always smiling and laughing. My heart aches for the entire Libonate family.

Huntington's Disease Society of America

Graveside Service

Lewis Libonate

Gina Libonate

Andrew Libonate & wife Heather

John Libonate

Jackson Libonate

Josephine Libonate

Kenneth Ninkovich & wife Jane

Ronald Ninkovich & his surviving wife Linda

Betsy Ninkovich

Schimunek Funeral Home

Janet Libonate

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Janet M. Libonate

August 24, 1943 – July 30, 2020

Schimunek Funeral Home

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