Obituary

Mission Viejo, California – It is with intimate sorrow that I inform you that Janet Katherine (Lally) Dunford (the girl from Hampton Beach, New Hampshire) born June 25, 1957 in Brookline, Massachusetts passed into eternal sleep with God on June 13, 2024 (11:10pm) at the age of 66 peacefully in her home in Mission Viejo, California surround by her family.

Janet was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 years ago and she battled this unforgivable disease with courage and grace and her bravery was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Janet was a special, vivacious, warm-hearted and loving girl who would light up a room with her laugher and spectacular smile.

Her legacy is one of love, unwavering character, compassion, and service. She touched the lives of countless people during her lifetime, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

Janet’s family and friends take comfort in knowing that her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the example of courage, inspiration, and kindness she set forth for us all.

She will always be remembered as a shining example of love, hope, and courage. Her life was a testament to the power of the human spirit, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

Janet graduated from Brookline High School, Brookline Massachusetts in 1975 and earned a Bachelor Of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Suffolk University, Boston Massachusetts in 1979. Janet worked 33 years as a Crime Prevention Specialist for Orange County Sheriffs Department, Orange County, California.

Janet was at the core an east – west coast beach girl who just loved the ocean. She was intelligent, magical, adventurous, and had a big heart! Janet was an avid biker, sometimes riding 18 miles to San Clement from Mission Viejo to get to work. She loved to power walk, hike the Sierras, (climbed Half Dome 6 times) camp, ski, ice / inline skate, cook and eat healthy food, read, watch movies, basketball and football, go to concerts, and travel the world.

Janet is survived by her husband Bob of 46 years, their loving son Keegan, her sisters Pat Bonanno and husband Bob, Maureen Walsh and husband David, her brother-in-law Kevin Dunford and nieces Daniella Parris, and Heather Prizio, nephews Paul Bonanno, and Ryan Walsh, and countless cousins. Janet is predeceased by her parents Fred and Jean Lally.

To all of us who knew Janet she was a fun loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, daughter and friend. She will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Janet had incredible faith in God and may He welcome her in his arms and grant her the everlasting peace she so well deserves.

Family and friends will remember and celebrate Janet’s life with a Celebration Of Life on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00am at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California. (additional details will be made available soon)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association Of Orange County, California. Donation Information:  https://www.alzoc.org/get-involved/donate/

Please click to view this brief video of Janet:
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