Janet High
Janet High, 82, of Waynesburg, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019, with her children by her side.
Janet was born August 5, 1936, in Ohiopyle. She was the eldest daughter of John Henry Thorpe and Myrtle Virginia Smitley Thorpe, by whom she was predeceased. She was also predeceased by her eldest brother, Richard, who died in infancy and her brother, John “Beaver” Thorpe.
On December 18, 1954, she married the love of her life, Fred High Jr., or “Flick,” as he was affectionately known. They were married for 51 years, until his passing in 2006, something from which she never fully recovered.
Janet was the mother of four children. Naming them from favorite to least favorite would surely lead to hurt feelings, so from eldest to youngest they are: John High, Jerry High, Janine McAndrews and Jeannie Grimes, with whom she resided and was lovingly and unselfishly cared for over the past 12 years.
Janet is survived by her daughter-in-law, Dayna Hines High and her sons-in-law, Patrick McAndrews and Charles (CJ) Grimes. There are no words to describe the way these three people cared for and loved Janet or the way she loved them. They never treated her like anything less than a mom. Also surviving are grandchildren Caleigh High, Kyra High, Mallory Durso and husband CJ, Mason High, Micah High, Taylor McAndrews, Reily McAndrews, Larkyn Grimes and Harper Grimes; the newest addition, great-grandson Miles Durso; her sisters and best friends, Patty Puhl (wife of Ronnie) and Sandy Crimbly; her brother, Gary Thorpe; special nephew, David High; as well as several nieces and nephews.
On a personal note, if you knew Janet, you knew that she loved to laugh, she loved to hear and/or tell a colorful joke, drink the occasional beer and tell hilarious, true stories. She wanted so badly to leave her children a vast fortune, however, she also loved going to the casino. Therefore, the children will all be returning to work on Monday morning.
Mike DeMaske delivered the eulogy and is a part of her forever family. He was loved and treated like a son and yes, even scolded when he needed to be. Rob and Kim Cicchino and their sons have always shown care and kindness to both Fred and Janet. Rick Cicconi provided constant support and undying friendship to Janet. Dean Whitmarsh Funeral Home have shown kindness and care and made things as easy as possible. The family appreciates the Washington Hospital seventh floor doctors, nurses and support staff.
As per Janet’s wishes, all services were private.