Janet passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024, after battling cancer for three years. She was surrounded by her family during her peaceful passing.

Janet, called JaJa by her family, is survived by her son Mike, his wife, Shell, and their children Brittany, Tony, and Madison. Her daughter, Laura, and granddaughter, Sophia, and Laura's son Cody and his partner, Jess, and son, Thomas. Her son Steven and his partner, Chris. Her ex-husband, Don, and his wife, Cherie. Her best friend, Karen Tye (Tootie), and her husband, William, and her son, Brian.

Janet grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She loved ice skating and was outdoors all the time. As a teenager, Janet spent a couple of summers working on a dude ranch that her parents owned and operated. She and her sister, Diana, acted as guides, leading groups on horseback into the mountains to hunt and fish. It's a joy to think about Janet bossing those men around and telling them where to go, revealing that tenacity of hers early on. She met her husband, Don, at the ranch. They were married for 32 years and raised three beautiful, kind children. Even though Don and Janet divorced, their friendship continued as the family continued to grow. Not only was Janet one of the kindest and most open-hearted people, but her actions also taught her children and grandchildren to live a life of kindness, compassion, and strength.

Janet graduated from UTD with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. She worked at Cambium Learning for over 20 years and was a realtor in her "spare" time. As an artist herself, Janet fiercely supported the arts in Richardson, along with many other causes, councils, and boards. She was passionate, effective, and fair. Her proudest accomplishments were those committees and leadership roles that led to the enrichment of the City of Richardson. Janet participated in AIR (Arts Incubator of Richardson), the Citizens Police Academy, FBI Citizens Academy, Leadership Richardson and Leadership North Texas. She also served on the North Central Council of Governments, Regional Transportation Council, and the Dallas Mobility Coalition. She started the Heights Park Neighborhood Association and was President for 10 years. Being on the Planning Commission of Richardson taught her about how the city runs, and how important their decisions were, because the decisions would influence the city for years. She truly loved being a part of this Committee. Her family used to call her Commissioner. This experience prepared her for her biggest role, being on the Richardson City Council and serving as Mayor Pro Tem under Mayor Paul Voelker. She loved her city and all the communities that make it, which is why she took her leadership roles so seriously. Janet handled her responsibility on the City Council with an intelligence and kindness that will last for years, not just in the city, but in the people she helped. Janet was a Real Heroes Recipient in 2018. This honor surprised her because she never took credit for her work; it did not surprise those who love her.

The greatest lesson Janet taught, and lived, is that service to others is essential. Her guidance (some might say bossiness) always came from a place of love and laughter. Janet's parents died in an accident when she was a teenager. Soon after, she wrote a paper about the experience. In closing, Janet said, "I want to prove to them that I can make something of my life and that I will be the daughter they raised me to be." Janet DePuy did not just make something of her life; she made something of all the lives around her.

Her service is Saturday, September 7th, at 11:00 at First United Methodist Church Richardson.

In lieu of flowers, please follow Janet's lead and donate to The Counseling Place at https://givebutter.com/crg5VS