Janet Marie Degan

Janet Marie Degan, 35, of Topeka, KS passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2015 in Topeka, KS. While growing up in Topeka Janet loved riding horses, dressing up for Halloween, helping her mom Jan around the house, fishing with her father Frank and helping him work on cars, putting on make-up, playing with dolls with her sister, playing T-Ball and was great at tetherball. She graduated high school in Paola Ks before moving to Ottawa and then back to Topeka. Janet took part in so many activities that it kept those supporting Janet very busy.

In March 2009, Janet started receiving day and residential support from Advanced Individual Services (AIS). She always had live in staff but didn't have roommates which allowed her to soak up all the attention and she loved that. She enjoyed trips to Kansas City, countless activities with her friends and staff, cookouts, holiday get together at her home, two trips to Disney World and building sand castles on the beach.

Most recently Janet attended First Assembly Of God where she met so many friends who were important to her. Janet's love of Jesus was amazing to witness and she never questioned anything regarding her faith. She attended Bible study every Friday evening for the past 6 years with friends.

Janet was an active participant in volleyball, track and field, bowling, cheerleading, softball and basketball with the Topeka Jr. Blues Special Olympic Team. Janet loved to compete and cherished the medals she received, the friends she met and her coaches who not only coached her but loved her. Janet would often shout with joy at winning gold.

Janet used her computer, IPad and IPhone daily to stay connected to people in her life through social media and emails. There wasn't a Bible or Bible verses app Janet didn't have at one point. Janet would always ask for ITunes cards as gifts and would often use her money to buy ITunes cards.
Janet had date night every week for 6 years with her boyfriend Will. They would watch movies, play games, go out to eat, or just simply enjoy each other's company. Janet referred to Will as her Baby Will and they loved each other unconditionally.

Janet enjoyed working out at Curves, walking the Shunga Trail, her Day Service property or anywhere she could walk she would, all along counting her steps. Janet would often take pictures of herself walking or working out and then text them or post them on social media.

In 2009, Janet participated in Partners & Policy Making, an innovative education program for adults with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities.

Janet is survived by her father, Frank Degan; sister and brother-in-law, Kristy and Ben Mestas and grandmother, Helene Wiltfong. Janet is proceeded in death by her mother; Jan Degan, brother, Frank Degan Jr.; grandparents, John and Luella Degan and uncle, John Maude. Janet also leaves behind her AIS family including Joe, Stacy, Shayla and Luke Bleidissel, her current residential staff Maria Cosper, her guardian Kim Strunk and several other staff and friends.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. and we will celebrate Janet's life at 5:00 p.m., Friday July 10th at First Assembly of God, 500 SW 27th St, Topeka, KS 66611.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contributions to Advanced Individual Services sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town at 1321 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66604, to place a bench on the Shunga Trail, in honor of Janet's life and love of walking.

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