Janet J. Nelson, 73, of Sycamore died October 2, 2024 at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore, IL.

She was born on October 14, 1950 in Sycamore to John and Eudora "Adele" (Williams) Hayes. She married Ray A. Nelson on November 8, 1969.

Janet was a homemaker during her children's early years, then worked as a secretary for DeKalb Ag for many years. She was an administrative secretary with Sycamore School District for 23 years until she retired in 2010. After her retirement she enjoyed volunteering at Kishwaukee Hospital and DeKalb County Hospice.

Janet had a love of shopping, craft shows and hosting family holidays. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years. More than anything, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was known for filling her living room with air mattresses and blanket forts for sleepovers with all 6 grandkids. No sleepover was complete without "Buddy" pancakes for breakfast, covered with whipped cream and M&M's. Janet loved to be a part of her grandkids' lives in every way, from pumpkin patches, to swimming days, zoo visits and attending every sporting event possible - baseball, dance, cheer, gymnastics, football, basketball and volleyball. For 11 years, her entire family spent a week together in Hayward, WI, enjoying boating, fishing, canasta games and just being together. After retirement she enjoyed regular extended vacations to Hawaii and South Padre Island,Texas with Ray. Those who knew Janet best will remember her love of anything sweet…especially ice cream, cookies, and Tootsie Pops!

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ray Nelson. Her daughters Andria (Dave) Norkiewicz, Julie (Brad) Benson, mother-in-law Joyce Nelson, sister Betty Wolf, grandchildren Natalie, Jack and Josh Norkiewicz, Nolan, Leah and Nora Benson and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Ronald Hayes and his wife Gretchen, and brother-in-law Michael Wolf.

Her Memorial Visitation will be on Friday, October 11th from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home of Sycamore.

A private burial with family will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association in care of the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory- go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com