Janet Baftiri

JANET BAFTIRI

Anamosa

Our friend, Janet Baftiri, 53, of Anamosa, died Tuesday evening, June 14, 2016, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a sudden illness. A celebration of life will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 20, at Lawrence Community Center, where a time of remembrance will start at 7 p.m. Goettsch Funeral Home has been entrusted with Janet's care and services.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Surviving are her husband, Brian; two daughters, Alea of Orlando, Fla., and Geitana of Cedar Rapids; her twin sister, Jeanne (Michael) Cecchi of Shorewood, Ill.; and a sister, Carol (Tim) Vicic, and brother, Steve (Jacquie) May, both of Joliet, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Janet Elaine May was born Sept. 10, 1962, in Joliet, Ill., to Allan and Arlene Hansen May. She graduated from Joliet Central High School with the Class of 1980, and attended Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Upon graduation Janet worked as a juvenile probation officer for the state of Illinois. Janet married Brian Baftiri on Nov. 11, 1989, and that same year, moved to Anamosa, where she owned and operated the Opera House Restaurant for a number of years. For the past 14 years she worked at J & P Cycles in Anamosa.

Janet was a woman of many gifts and talents, which she shared joyously with many individuals and groups. If she heard someone was in need she was there.

The lights and loves of her life were her daughters, Alea and Geitana. No conversation was complete without her latest story about her girls.

Her work ethic and sense of humor made her a favorite to all. She was a terrific mother and a fabulous friend. Janet worked tirelessly for her family, her school, local organizations and her community.

We will carry her goodness with us forever.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Citizens Bank in Anamosa.