1935-2021
Janet was born on May 1, 1935 in Fargo, North Dakota. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 6, 2021 after suffering a mild stroke a few days prior.
She grew up in Bowman, North Dakota. She then attended business school in Rapid City, South Dakota, where she met her first husband Tom Purcell, and they had three beautiful children. She is survived by her two sons Michael (64) Mark (63) & Patty (1959-2007). They moved from Rapid City to Iowa and Montana before settling in California for 8 years. They then settled permanently in Phoenix, AZ in 1969. Janet worked as an executive secretary throughout the Phoenix area before retiring in 2000.
Janet remarried her current husband Donald Massey in 1994. She spent her early retirement years with her husband traveling all over Arizona in their motorhome enjoying the outdoors, fishing , reading & relaxing. She loved to make home cooked dinners for family & friends. She especially enjoyed weekly meetings with her coffee group and having lunch with her friends on a regular basis.
What she enjoyed and cherished most were her 5 grandkids, Ryan 24 (Patty & Dave Hunt), Rachel 23 (Mark & Kelly Purcell), Heather 22 (Patty & Dave Hunt), Thomas 16 (Mike & Mandy Purcell), Julia 15 (Mike & Mandy Purcell). She loved to come over to their house and bake all kinds of things. They all learned to bake from their Grandma and she loved every minute of it. Her traditions have been passed down to each grandchild in a special way and will continue to be carried out. She went to every Baseball & Flag football game, Track meet, Volleyball game, Tae Kwon Do weekly practice & tournaments, Dance recitals and Christmas Pageants. She rarely missed anything that involved her beloved grandkids, always there to support them. She was so very proud of each of them, and they will continue to make her proud for many years to come. They’ve already asked for her recipes to carry on her delicious cooking legacy. How cool is that!!
We will greatly miss our dear mother and wonderful grandmother. We are forever grateful she will now be reunited with her daughter Patty, where they will continue to look down and guide us every day. We will remember her quick wit, loving heart and will carry on her legacy forever.
Services will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers you may donate to your local Donate Life Organization. www.donatelifeaz.com
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
KC LaFlesch
sorry for your loss.
Sue Gray & Alexa
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jan Purcell. My thoughts and prayers are with the Purcell family and friends. ❤️
Kathy Harkin
I am very sorry and sad about your Mom and Grandma. Janet was one of a kind.
Bob and Deb Wood
Our prayers and thought are for Jay and all of you. She left everyone with memories of love and caring, special memories that will last forever.
Diana Wellington
Jan was a grand lady! She had a warm heart and was a very caring person. She cherished all of her family and friends and I remember many of her stories about teaching her grandchildren how to bake and her face just lit up every time she talked about any of them. I cherished our friendship Jan safe journey
Alva Arellano
Jan you were larger than life! You taught me so much. You opened your home and your heart and I will always treasure you. I can only hope that I can achieve a fraction of what you brought into so many lives that you touched.
Tracey Donaldson
So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. What a character! I loved talking to her, especially when she started with her infectious laugh. Heart of gold, tell it like it is woman. Wish I had a Mom like her! Patty always loved when Jan came to stay with her in NY and was always sad when she had to say goodbye. How fitting that she was the last person who Patty spoke to before she left our world. I’m glad they’re both together again. Rest in peace, Jan. Thanks for creating your wonderful family and sharing them with me for a time.
Terri Metzger
Mike and Mark Don and I and the Wilson family send our deepest condolences to you and your families on the passing of your mother.
Shelly
We are sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and patient in our office for many years. We offer sincere condolences and know she was a cherished member of your family and her communities as she touched so many lives. Alan Ferguson D.D.S., Sheryl, Shelly, Katie, Suzy, Sharon and Lori.