Janice M. Purtee

Janice Maurine Hankinson Purtee, 83, passed away on February 10, 2022, at peace and surrounded by the loving presence of her family.

On December 21, 1938, Janice and her identical twin sister Phyllis were born in Carbondale, PA. Phyllis and Jan were a Christmas surprise for their parents, Raynor Milton and Jeanne Carol (Baldwin) Hankinson.

She loved growing up with her four siblings on Watson Blvd. in Endicott, NY. They spent their time outside, riding bikes around the neighborhood and engaging in shenanigans. She spent her summers at the IBM country club and exploring the Glen.

Jan graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1956 and met her future husband, Wes, soon after. They were married in 1958 and moved to Kansas City, MO, and by 1968, were the proud parents of three girls and two boys. They led full lives working, raising their kids, and attending their sporting events and activities.

Jan was an expert seamstress, making clothes for herself and the kids. Her yard was always full of gorgeous flowers flourishing among the wind chimes and garden fairies. She loved being outside and was often seen on her riding lawnmower, followed by a dip in the pool. Jan loved to swim laps for exercise and had the most graceful freestyle stroke. She enjoyed woodworking and crafting, and filled her home with family antiques and found treasures, which brought her joy.

Her fondest memories were of road trips to New York and Colorado to visit her family, bicycling with Wes after they retired, and family gatherings with her children and grandchildren.

Jan loved peppermint patties and plain M&Ms. Jan loved to laugh. She was a long-time member and board member of Kansas City Turners. She was the Pool Director at the Raytown YWCA and worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Jan also worked at The Pepper Tree Hallmark store in Raytown for many years.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Wes; brother George; granddaughter Jessica; sons-in-law Steve and Fred. Left to remember her with love are her siblings Phyllis, Raejean and Bill; sisters-in-law Peggy, Dorothy and Molly; daughters RubyRenee (Chuck), Janine, and Lorraine (John), and sons Larry (René) and David; grandchildren Marissa (John), Genevieve (Hyun Jun), Evie, Justin, Lauren, Stephen (Kristen), Marshall (Macee), and Avery; great-grandchildren Kaliiyah and Miru; and many nieces, nephews, and great friends, especially her best friend and neighbor, Ruthie.

Jan received wonderful end-of-life care at the Kansas City Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care so they may continue to provide services to terminally ill patients and their families.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO.

Jan was a very loving mom and we will miss her.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO.

Jan was a very loving mom and we will miss her.