Janet Marion Gifford Kemeny

Our dear mother passed away August 1, 2021, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Canton, Michigan after suffering congestive heart failure.

Janet Marion Gifford Kemeny was born in Albany, New York on October 25, 1944, as the only child of Gordon Elihu Gifford and Marion Eimers Gifford. She was raised in Rome, New York, and excelled in school throughout her childhood and youth. She was gifted musically and learned in her younger years to play both the piano and organ.

After graduating from Rome Free Academy, Janet attended Syracuse University, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics. While at Syracuse University, she was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by a missionary who would later become her husband, Jorge Thomas Kemeny. Jorge and Janet married in the Salt Lake City Temple. They moved a few times in the early years of their marriage, spending time in New York City and San Francisco, before settling down in the northern suburbs of Chicago in the town of Libertyville, IL. There they raised their three wonderful children, Scott, Kent, and Noel. Janet focused her full attention on her responsibilities as a wife and mother, roles that she cherished and to which she devoted herself entirely.

Once all her children started elementary school, Janet began her career as a math teacher at Libertyville High School, where she taught algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and Advanced Placement calculus. She loved being a teacher and excelled at her job, as demonstrated by the hundreds of calculus students who passed their AP calculus exams after taking her class and the dozens of thank you letters she received over the years praising her teaching skills and thanking her for her commitment to her students.

Janet was an active member of the LDS church. She served faithfully in many callings, giving of her talents freely and selflessly. She was a true follower of the Savior and lived her life according to His teachings.

Janet loved music and was constantly found at the piano playing along while also singing hymns, Broadway tunes, and popular favorites. She also loved crafts and was very artistic. Janet was a loving wife and mother and was passionately devoted to her family. She tenderly cared for Jorge during his final years with Parkinsons. And she lovingly raised her children with strength, grace, kindness, and a sharp, fantastic sense of humor.

Janet is survived by her three children, Scott, Kent, and Noel, and by her 11 grandchildren, whom she adored. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jorge.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the LDS Chapel, 676 North Eagle View Drive, Alpine, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah, and again from 9:00 to 9:45 am on Saturday at the church prior to services. Interment will be at the American Fork City Cemetery.