Obituary of Janet E. Cackett

Janet E. Cackett, 84, of Clinton, NY passed away peacefully at her home early Saturday morning, December 30, 2023, with her  daughter Sharon, granddaughter Emma and faithful cat Stella by her side.

Janet was born on July 24, 1939, in Utica, NY, daughter of the late George K. and Mary K. “Kay”(Burns) Marsh .  She was an 8th generation Central New Yorker, her ancestors first settling in the North Brookfield area in 1797 and then moving to Paris Hill in 1862.

Janet, with her brother George and sister Nancy, enjoyed an idyllic childhood in and around the scenic hamlet of nearby Chuckery Corners. She often recounted favorite memories of riding along with her dad as he drove a school bus route that he later grew into the Utica-Rome Bus Co. of Clinton.  She graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1957, then marrying her high school sweetheart Robert C. “Bob” Cackett and raising five children while residing 40 years in nearby Sauquoit, NY.

A favorite sweatshirt with the words “Kind People Are My Kind of People” best described her giving nature which led to a long career in nursing.  Starting as a “Candy Striper” hospital volunteer, Janet then worked as an LPN, later becoming an RN after graduating from MVCC.  Eventually completing a Masters degree at SUNY Binghamton, she became a Nurse Practitioner working at St Elizabeth Hospital, Planned Parenthood and MVHS Medical Group.

Janet’s strong Roman Catholic faith came to her by way of her Burns Irish ancestors, who immigrated to central NY from County Dublin in 1837. Her great-grandaunt, Margaret Burns (Sister Leopoldina), served in the Molokai leper colony with Father Damien and Sister Marianne Cope. Janet was a long-time parishioner of both St. Mary’s Church in Clinton and St. Patrick’s Church in Clayville. She was also active in the local Christian Women’s Club, serving a term as president in the mid ‘70’s.

Family members knew Janet for her unconditional love, friends knew Janet for her selfless loyalty, and all knew Janet for her warm smile and encouraging words.

Janet is survived by daughter Sharon, of Clinton, sons Doug (Jennifer) of Atlanta, GA, Steve (Brenda) of Pittsford, NY, Paul (Gail) of Fort Worth, TX, and Matt (Sharon) of San Diego, CA, grandsons Kyle, Zachary, Luke and Jacob, granddaughters Rachel, Megan, Emma, Lilly, and Mary Jolea, great-grandchildren Carter and Jordyn, brother George Marsh of Sauquoit, NY and sister Nancy Roberts of Hamilton, NY and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Janet is predeceased by her former husband Robert C.

Janet bravely endured vascular dementia. Many friends and family members gladly participated in her care during the last years. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Berit Nelson, a colleague and close friend of Janet’s and a kind, devoted caregiver to her.

There are no calling hours, but a Catholic Mass will be held for Janet at St Mary’s Church in Clinton on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11am. Janet’s final resting place will be at Crown Hill Memorial Park and a celebration of life will be arranged by the family at a future date.

More than any place, the camp on Lake Moraine filled her heart with joy, and eased her soul, especially when family and friends gathered. To honor this legacy, please consider donating to the Lake Moraine Association, continuing their work of friendly relations and enjoyment for all who use the lake. Donations may be sent to: Kate Smith, Treasurer 215 Salt Springs Road, Fayetteville,  NY 13066. Donations in her honor may also be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford.

JANET'S FUNERAL SERVICE MAY BE VIEWED AT THIS LINK

https://youtu.be/qDCgs6XY-qw