Janie VanGennip

Janie M. VanGennip, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was born July 26, 1927, at Glennon, Mo., daughter of Joseph and Mary Laurentius. Janie was married to Martin F. "Junior" VanGennip Feb. 23, 1952. He survives.

Janie was a loving homemaker and a long-time childcare provider. She enjoyed caring for others; volunteering her time, talent and devotion to serving the needy through church organizations. She enjoyed gardening and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau and an active member of St. Vincent's Women's Council.

In addition to her husband of 54 years, survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Bonita VanGennip of Cape Girardeau, a daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Philip A. Cantoni of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Jennifer (age 22) and Kristen VanGennip (age 20), Erika (age 14) and Nicholas Cantoni (age 9) all of Cape Girardeau.

Also surviving is Janie's brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Helen Laurentius of Jackson; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Wilma VanGennip of Leopold; a brother-in-law, Ed VanGennip of St. Louis; a sister-in-law, Rose Marie Laurentius of Cape Girardeau; five nephews, four nieces and many loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rose and Martin H. VanGennip of Marble Hill, Mo.; an infant granddaughter, Melissa VanGennip; and a brother, Alfred Laurentius of Cape Girardeau; two nephews, Ray Laurentius of Cape Girardeau and Steve VanGennip of Leopold, Mo.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Parish prayers and the rosary will be said at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Church, with the Rev. Charles Prost officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to St. Vincent's Women's Council at St. Vincent de Paul Church.