Janet Elizabeth Dunlap, 94, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at home with her family. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 1919, to William and Bessie Clauson, the seventh of twelve children. She was preceded in death by Kenneth, her loving husband of 61 years; her daughter, Patricia Anne Fritz; grandson, Brandon Scott Kline, and 10 of her 11 siblings. She and Ken were introduced by Janet's friend, Jerry, Ken's sister, and their relationship grew through letters exchanged while Ken was stationed in the Pacific during World War II. After World War II they were married and she joined him in Istanbul, Turkey, where he worked for Pan American Airlines. Their first daughter, Barbara, was born there.
They moved to Munich, Germany, where their next three children where born. They lived in Germany for six years and, while there, enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe. They returned to the United States, in 1954, and built a home in Medford, New Jersey, where their last two children were born.
Janet was a wonderful wife and mother. While raising her family in New Jersey, she was active as a Girl Scout leader and sponsor for the Episcopal youth group. In 1969, the family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where Janet became an active member of her local Episcopal parish. She served on the altar guild, was an officer of the Episcopal Church Women, and a devoted member of the Daughters of the King.
After Ken's retirement in 1987, they enjoyed traveling and visiting with family throughout the United States and returned to Europe on several occasions. She and Ken moved to Charlottesville in 1995 and became active members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Ivy. Janet's strong faith and loving spirit were apparent to all who knew her.
Janet is survived by daughters, Barbara Kopin of Charlottesville, Virginia, Janice Dunlap and spouse, Cindy Smith, of Bakersfield, California, Catherine Kline and husband, Peter, of Ridgecrest, California; and sons, Kenneth C. Dunlap and wife, Diane, of Reading, Pennsylvania, Keith R. Dunlap and wife, Alison, of Midland, Texas. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, Thomas Sampson III and wife, Yvonne, of Tucson, Arizona, Amy Kopin and husband, Clarence Woolford, of Gordonsville, Virginia, Kenneth I. Dunlap of Macungie, Pennsylvania, Carey Drake and husband, Jesse, of Ridgecrest, California, Brian Kline of Long Beach, California, Jacqueline, Kristin, and Robert Dunlap of Midland, Texas; and five great-grandchildren, Zoe Kopin and Brandon Woolford, Tommy and Artemisa Sampson, and Maxton Drake. Also surviving is her sister, Marion Clauson of Downey, California.
Janet's family is very grateful for the wonderful care provided by the staff of Hospice of the Piedmont. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 www.hopva.org. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at St. Paul's, Ivy, Virginia. Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.