Janet Kenney Vice

Janet was born to William Kenney and Alma Gertrude Kenney in Shelbiana, Kentucky on May 10, 1932. She was the oldest and only girl of four children. When Janet was 16, her father passed away unexpectedly. With his railroad pension Gertrude bought a diner and put the children to work. Janet waited tables and while doing so met the love of her life, Gerald R. Vice. They were married on March 25, 1950 and enjoyed almost 72 years of marriage before Gerald passed away in January of 2022. They raised a family, started and ran a successful business together and were always busy. There was never a dull moment!

Janet was a devoted wife and loving mother to their three children. She also loved her church (Eden United Methodist Church), singing in the choir, helping in the Sunday school and taking care of the bookkeeping for the church.

Janet was also known for her cooking. She was rather famous for her pecan pies which were sold annually at the Corn Festival. Her children and grandchildren remember wonderful fried chicken, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fried apples, homemade strawberry jelly and too many other delectable meals to mention. As children, the Vice household was always full with other kids in the neighborhood hoping to get in on some of the wonderful meals she prepared. Jo Ellen used to say “if you want to see Mom smile, tell her she’s a good cooker!” She would smile from ear to ear.

Janet is survived by her three children, Gerald A. Vice (Laura), Jo Ellen Vice (Jeffrey) and James R. Vice. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Miranda Mitchell (Christian), Genesis Musca (Bob), Amanda Gearhart (Anthony), Marissa Birmingham (Gabriel), Shelbi Martelle (Scott), Chelsea Haviland (Nathaniel), Mary Alexis Haviland (Cory), James W. Vice and Joni Vice (Tony). She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Gerald, and brothers Harlan Kenney (Buddy) and William Kenney (Billy).

Calling hours will be held at the Laing Funeral Home 2724 W. Church St., Eden, New York on Monday, Oct. 30 between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A church service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Eden United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church. All who knew and loved her are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Buffalo.

Words of sympathy may be made on www.laingfuneralhome.com.