Janet Goodnight

Janet Goodnight entered heaven July 5, 2022 with a loving heart, pure and true. She fought so hard to stay alive and my heart went with her the day she died. She's the woman I call mom, the strongest woman I knew and I would have given my life to help pull her through. She's my best friend, always by my side and it pained me to see the tears that she cried. She may have left this world, angel wings having flown but we'll meet again and she's not alone. Surrounded by loved ones who previously passed, she's with her own loving mom now at long last. Finally at peace, leaving this world knowing that the love of her granddaughters is overflowing. Reunited with her daughter, lost years ago... hugging so tightly, they'll never let go. Born March 19, 1941 in Blackduck, Minnesota. Moved to Rockford, Illinois as a child and remained there most of her life. She leaves behind daughter, Laurie of Rockford, granddaughters Nichole, Regina, April, Heidi and multiple great grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Wilbur and Margaret (Ness), siblings Joyce Brummett, Richard Lake, Jerry Lake and her daughter Debbie Schwartz. Janet had many adventures in her life both as a child and as an adult and loved to share stories and laughter about the times that she had. She also knew many sorrows that would break your heart, but she endured and became a stronger person through them. Always independent and strong, she raised two daughters on her own.  She worked at various places throughout her life, including The Rockette Drive In, as a car hop... which she loved! However, her two favorite jobs were at Ertel's Manufacturing in Indianapolis, In. and Redwood Restaurant in Rockford, Il. Ertel's was a demanding, hot, dirty job, but she excelled there surpassing every quota and earning every dollar she made. At Redwood, Janet found her "home". She was where she was meant to be. The many customers, co-workers and owners became life long friends and she cherished the memories she made over the years. She also worked for Parthenios Restaurant, owned by the same family, but her heart remained at Redwood. Janet was very youthful at heart and found pleasure in the simple things in life. She loved spending time with her daughters and grandchildren as well as playing bingo, bowling, Ms. Pac Man (she was a pro), baseball, casinos, cooking (should have had her own restaurant), movies, game shows, playing cards, and the many road trips taken with her daughter, Laurie. She left her with an abundance of precious and priceless memories of the times they shared. Janet could make you laugh on your worst day or make you cry on hers. She had a way of touching everyone's heart. A sweet, kind, gentle, caring soul who more than anything just loved and wanted to be loved in return. Her heart had been broken many times in life, but she left this world knowing just how much she is valued and loved. She would want me to thank those that cared for her during her illness, but over a seven month period, the level of care she received was horrendous at times. Thankfully, there were a select few compassionate human beings along the way. To them, my heartfelt appreciation goes out. Thank you: Sheri (West?) - RN/OSF, Dr. Anil Amin - OSF, Chrissy Couch - CNA/Kindred, Christelle - RT/Kindred, Sarah Hall - RT/Kindred, Hayley - CNA, Richie Agpasa - RN, and Elaina - PT. Also to Jennifer Norman of Porter who helped me navigate through so much red tape. These individuals are examples of what healthcare should be. On behalf of my mom, Janet... thank you! Additional thanks goes out to those who helped see me through my moms illness and/or contributed to her final rest. Thank you all... Tonjia K., Marie G., Kris & Steve P., Julie & Keith L., Mike & Lisa L., Linda L., Jim L., Amy H., Brad P., Diane T., Dave T., Kim B., Karen M., Rebecca T., Norma M., Marilyn P., Jack W., Ellen F., Lynda S., COC Church, and Janet's granddaughters Nichole, Regina, April and Heidi. I appreciate every prayer, hug, card, conversation and donation. My mom would be truly touched by all. This is NOT goodbye mom, because I will see you soon. You know I love you forever and you will always be my best friend and BAD ASS MAMA! Don't forget to send me that signal, I'm waiting and watching. Rest easy till we meet again. I love you more!