Janet Masimore

Janet Reid Leigh Masimore, 99, passed away on January 11, 2026, at Buehler Home in Peoria, Illinois.

Born on May 30, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Helen and Shirley Leigh. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended Drake University, in Des Moines, IA, before earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. During her college years, she was a proud member of Chi Omega Sorority and performed with the Scottish Highlander Bagpipe Marching Band.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Harvey Masimore, with whom she shared a remarkable partnership filled with family, travel and learning.

She is survived by her children Karen (Ladd) Storts-Bell of Guam; Leigh (Maggie) Masimore of Naples, FL; Kathy (Jim) Chambers of Peoria, IL; and Lyle (Mary Beth) Masimore of Harbor Springs, MI; as well as ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

A woman of many talents and interests, Janet loved reading, sewing, beading, and especially playing golf and bridge. She was proud of her golf achievements, including two holes in one. She enjoyed her work, later in life, at Peoria Public Libraries. She was an avid world traveler and spent eight memorable years living in Tokyo, Japan, where she learned to speak Japanese and taught English. She and Harvey were longtime members of Mt. Hawley Country Club and First Presbyterian Church, now United Presbyterian Church.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Buehler Health Care Center for their exceptional care and compassion.

A private family service will be held in February. Wright & Salmon Mortuary is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of the donor's choice.

Tributes and condolences may be made to www.wrightandsalmon.com