Janet Kayner

Janet Lea Kayner, nee Garson, age 83, of Oak Brook, IL passed away on June 9, 2026.

Janet, born in 1942, grew up in Oak Park, IL and was a graduate of Oak Park River Forest High School. The summer before her Senior year, Janet was a Cherub at Northwestern, which was an exceptional experience that opened her eyes to the possibilities after high school. Janet went on to earn her degree from Northwestern University in Speech Pathology and was a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority. She was a beloved speech therapist in elementary schools in both Lincolnwood and Oak Park with letters saved for decades from her students and their families.

Janet married the love of her life, David J. Kayner, in 1968. They lived in Oak Park as newlyweds and eventually moved to Oak Brook to start their family, welcoming their daughter, Lynn, in 1975. While David furthered his career in law at what became DLA Piper, and later at Inland Real Estate, Janet was an active member of the PTO, Oak Brook AAUW, and West Suburban ORT. She was proud to help bring Camp Apachi to the Western Suburbs for a few years.

Janet was a loving mother and nana, and a devoted family member. Her family (including the extended Cousins Club) was her number one priority. A loyal and true friend, she was often found on the phone checking in on those near and dear to her. Janet was known for being a world-champion shopper. She loved finding a good deal and had the patience to do so. She took pride in making things beautiful, and upon moving to The Oak Brook Club, she joined the decorating committee for Building One, where she made many wonderful friends. She will be deeply missed by all.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband David J Kayner, and her parents, Reva and Martin Garson. She is survived by her daughter Lynn (Michael) Mayer; her granddaughters Annie and Dana; her brother Joel (Sharon) Garson; her nieces and nephew; as well as many cousins and dear friends that are like family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to those at Oak Trace and Angel’s Grace that provided exceptional and loving care for Janet in her final years as she slowly declined from Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org/donate) or Oak Park Temple Campership & Scholarship Fund (https://www.oakparktemple.org/giving-opportunities.html)

Chapel service, Friday 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.

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Service Information

Service : Friday, June 12th at 12:15 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights