Ms. Janet Newton Barké

Ms. Janet I. Barké was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and passed away after a very brief and courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Jan lived a life defined by compassion and unwavering service to others.

Jan was a lifelong registered nurse who dedicated her career to caring for people at their most vulnerable, working in intensive care units, home health, and nursing homes. She saved countless lives through her skill, sweet voice, and deep sense of responsibility to her patients. Nursing was not just her profession; it was her calling.

Jan believed deeply in the dignity of every person. She never looked past or down on anyone, regardless of title or position. Many coworkers spoke often of how respected, valued, and supported they felt working alongside her, a testament to her kindness and integrity. To Jan, caring for others meant truly seeing them.

Above all else, Jan cherished her family. She loved fiercely, especially her grandchildren, who knew her as "Omi," or more recently, "Oatmeal." Being an Omi was one of her greatest joys, and she adored each of her grandchildren beyond measure. She was especially blessed with so many granddaughters, who will carry forward her fierce ability to love and her big, unforgettable personality.

Jan expressed her love through cooking; it was her love language. Anyone who visited with Jan was welcomed with a meal, no matter the circumstance. Even days after receiving her stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, Jan insisted on caring for others in the way she knew best. This past Thanksgiving, she lovingly prepared homemade bread and pies for her family, a quiet but powerful reflection of who she was. Her homemade bread will be missed, and it's likely no one will ever quite be able to recreate the pies she made with such love.

Jan is survived by her spouse, Tim Painter, and her mother, Agnes I. Beaver. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald L. Newton; her brother, Steve Newton; her daughter, Rachael Mueller; and her beloved son, Dylan Barké. The thought of being reunited with Dylan brings the greatest comfort to those who loved her, knowing that this reunion will give Jan the most joy of all. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, James N. Barké.

She is also survived by her brother, Donald L. Newton Jr. (Dot); her brother-in-law, Mickey Kelly; her children: Allison West (Jordan), Brittany Barké, Gavin Barké (Haley Morgan), Gillian Brubaker (Kyle), and Brad Painter (Amanda); her niece, Tori Newton; and her nephew, Jake Newton.

Jan was a proud "Omi" or "Oatmeal" to her grandchildren: Jazzy Mueller, Krissy Montgomery, Rylynn Brubaker, Rory Brubaker, Brinley Barké, Bristol Barké, Saylor Barké, Sylvia West, Abraham West, Quinn Barké, Ivey Williams, Alexander Painter, Riley Painter, Dominick Painter, and Gabriella Painter.

Jan's legacy lives on in the lives she saved, the colleagues she uplifted, and the family she loved so deeply. She will be remembered for her gentle strength, her tireless compassion, and the countless ways she made people feel cared for, through her hands as a nurse and her heart as a mother and Omi.

A Celebration of Life honoring her memory will be held on Saturday, January 10th, at 1:00 PM at Camp Cardinal RV Resort in Hayes, Virginia. Because she lived and was deeply loved by people from Pennsylvania all the way to Louisiana, we understand that not everyone will be able to attend, and there is absolutely no obligation to do so. For those who would like to join us in celebrating her life, please let the family know so we can plan accordingly. We are so grateful for the love, prayers, and support surrounding our family during this time.

It is the desire of the Barké family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ms. Janet Newton Barké has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.