Janet Blanchard Huspen, 74, died peacefully on Aug. 4, 2008, at her residence in Fairview Village in Downers Grove, Ill.

Born in New Orleans, La., on March 6, 1934, Janet was valedictorian of Eleanor McMain High School and attended Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans, studying physics before meeting her "soulmate."

She moved north to Iowa to marry Dr. Robert F. Huspen in 1955. They eventually settled in Campbellsport, where they raised 11 children, beef cattle and dogs.

Janet had been involved with many activities in her community including the Christian Mothers of St. Matthew’s Parish, Red Cross volunteer, ProLife volunteer, and Campbellsport High School wrestling Cougar Boosters.

She worked as the office manager for RoJan Farm Herefords and Campbellsport Veterinary Clinic.

Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, journal writing and poetry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Blanchard and Marguerite (Landry) Blanchard; her beloved husband of 44 years, Robert "Doc" Huspen; her sister, Rita May Dauenhauer; and infant grandson, Andrew Holland.

She is survived by her children, Marguerite Huspen, Janet FritzHuspen, Mary Andre’ (Tony) Rini, Barbara (John) Halbur, Laura (Dean) Holland, Rita (Keith) Kerr, Robert (Tonya) Huspen, Catherine (James) Olsen, Suzanne Huspen, Ronald (Dina) Huspen and Richard (Brandy) Huspen. She was also the proud grandmother to 32 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be held Friday, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave., Darien, Ill.

On Saturday, funeral services will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 419 Mill St., Campbellsport. There will be viewing at 11 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m., followed by a graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.