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Janie Reitherman Obituary

REITHERMAN, Janie Janie Reitherman passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at her home in Burbank, California at the age of 83. She had been energetically resisting cancer for several years, inspiring her family and friends with her uncomplaining determination to maintain a positive attitude and active life. Janie was born to William K. McMillan and May Schneider McMillan on August 16, 1924 in Prescott, Arizona, then the family moved to Alhambra, California, where she spent most of her childhood. She attended Whittier College, served as a motorcycle courier in Southern California during World War II, then became a flight attendant with United Airlines. She met her husband-to-be, Wolfgang (Woolie) Reitherman, and married him in 1946 in Manila, the Philippines, where she was working as a flight attendant flying trans-Pacific flights for FEATI airlines and Woolie was the airline's chief pilot. They moved to Burbank, California, in 1947 where Woolie resumed his pre-war career with Walt Disney as an animator, eventually becoming director and producer of Disney animated movies. Woolie passed away in 1985. Janie established her own travel agency in 1960, Reitherman's Club Charter Travels, and operated it for over thirty years. She traveled far and frequently, and travel was both business and pleasure for her. Janie belonged to the association of former United Airlines flight attendants, Clipped Wings, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Janie is survived by her brother, Bill McMillan; her three sons, Richard (Dick), Robert (Bob), and Bruce; and her longtime companion, Jim Harty. Her grandchildren are Richard's daughters, Danielle and Chloe; Robert's two sons, Scott and Brent; and Bruce's daughter, Camilla. The family would like to thank her caregiver, Felipa Garcia, who was so devoted to Janie. A memorial service to which all her friends and family are invited will be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Crippen Mortuary Successors to Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service, 2900 Honolulu Avenue, La Crescenta, California 91214, (818-249-6131).

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Oct. 31, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Janie Reitherman

3 Entries

Linda Mustion

November 1, 2007

To the Reitherman family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I first met Janie when I became a member of the D.A.R in Burbank, later that chapter merged with the Gen Richard Gridley Chapter in Glendale and when I became Regent the last year before we merged with the San Fernando Valley Chapter, Janie was a big help to me as she had been Regent in the Burbank Chapter. Janie was a gracious,kind, caring and thoughtful person and I will truly miss her bright smile.

Jean Adams

October 31, 2007

Ooh Janie, you were the epitome of grace & good humor. My only consolation is that your pain is now over and you're with God. Say hello to my mommy, who's making lemon bars and socializing with all the other Clipped Wingers. It was grand knowing you. Truly was.

Amy Mehaffey

October 31, 2007

Janie was not only my favorite aunt, but one of my favorite people in the world. She was so thoughtful, so smart, funny, energetic and kind. She was always generous and loving, to me and to my daughters. She was always intereted in what was going on in our lives; and she, like Woolie, was so supportive and encouraging.

I have so many wonderful memories of our holidays together - those Thanksgivings in the dessert...those great times in Burbank...I learned to "swim" in her pool. (Mostly I just clung to the edge for hours and hours, but she always let me stay in as long as I wanted to)...

Elizabeth and Sarah and I wish that we could be with you this weekend. We all send our love.

I will miss my Aunt Janie.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

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