Janet K. Ankeny

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Ankeny, Janet K. Age 70, of Edina, passed away on October 25, 2019. Preceded in death by parents, Donald Norval and Gerda Norval. She was a double lung transplant recipient, just celebrating her 20-year anniversary with her new lungs. She was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister and friend. Janet Ankeny was a master bbq chef and a passionate Minnesota Vikings fan. She loved her daughter, rock concerts, the MN State Fair, happy hour, and being an inspiration and educator for organ donation. She was active in her transplant community giving comfort, strength and solidarity. Her enthusiasm and beautiful smile attracted a large group of friends, transcending friendship to become her extended family. Throughout her life, Jan faced many potentially life-saving but very risky surgeries; the warm, fun-loving little spirit, turned out to be a courageous warrior! Her incredible journey gave hope to many transplant candidates. Janet shared her life with her mother. They lived in their home in Edina for over forty years, celebrating together, caring for one another and facing life's challenges together. Only twenty-four days after Gerda departed, Jan joined her to continue their journey together in heaven. Survived by daughter, Jennifer Ankeny (Jason Grev); sister, Penny Galarneau (Dennis Hitzeman); Niece, Jill Galarneau (Chad Yeftich); many other relatives, as well as many close friends. Funeral service Thursday, November 14, at 2PM at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN. Visitation will be one half hour prior to the service. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Hope Chest News, an organization assisting others going through lung transplant: hopechestnews.org Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on November 10, 2019