Janet Kelly Lundquist, 68, passed away peacefully Jan. 30, 2023, in Carlsbad, California, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Janet was born Jan. 29, 1955, in Red Bank to Jean McConnell Kelly and the late William J. (Bill) Kelly of Rumson. She graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School in 1973 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia in 1977, majoring in education and fine arts. Janet was an accomplished ceramic artist with expertise in glaze firings and was a professional photographer, having published work in the national media. Janet had a special love for animal welfare and developed an animal care and respite service for pets having special needs.
Janet’s true avocation was adventurous flying. She was an expert parachutist and a pilot. Janet was a BASE jumper, appearing on national television for her skydive from the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. The Earth jump was discreetly accomplished from El Capitan. She was a member of two world record sky diving teams to raise awareness for breast cancer. The record of the 181-Way Formation Women’s World Record Skydiving team (2009 – Jump for the Cause) is still standing.
Janet is survived by her husband Fred Lundquist, the love of her life. She is also survived by her mother Jean M. Kelly; her sisters, Jill (Paul) Drew and Joy (Greg) Stiles; brother Jeffrey (Mary); and brothers-in-law Miles (Allyn) and Brook (Linda). She is survived by 12 nieces and nephews and 11 grandnieces and nephews, many Kelly and McConnell cousins, and her aunt Mary Beth Kelly Fricano. She is also survived by myriad friends in the flying community, including the flight communities of SkyDive Perris of California, the United Parachute Club Home of the “Herd” in Pennsylvania, and the Lost Prairie Boogie in Montana. She and Fred were grateful for the support and kindness of their friend Lisa Walker throughout Janet’s illness.
With the loving assistance of her husband, Janet bravely traveled across the country and fulfilled her final wish to see her father Bill before his passing in January and nine days before her own. There was a memorial skydive and celebration of Janet’s life April 29 in Perris, California. There will be a memorial jump and celebration of life in her honor June 11 in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. A third memorial skydive and celebration of Janet’s life is planned for Lost Prairie, Montana, in August.
In Janet’s memory, charitable donations may be made to your local animal shelter or the charity of your choice.
The article originally appeared in the June 1 – 7, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
