Rochelle

Janet Elaine (Kissack) Hart of Rochelle, IL, formerly of Heyworth, IL passed away on August 2, 2023, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL with her loving family by her side. She was born on January 17, 1950, in Carbondale, IL to Harold G. and Emma Ruth (George) Kissack. She was the eldest of four children. She married Howard "Jim" Hart of Rochelle, IL at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Rochelle, IL on June 8, 1974. Jan was a teacher in the Rochelle School District for almost 10 years before becoming the special education director for the Rockford School District. She left Rockford and became the director of religious education for St. Patrick's Church in Rochelle, IL and later went to work for Hope of Ogle County. She recently retired from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL after spending over 20 years as a supervisor of student teachers in the education department.

She is survived by her husband, Howard J. Hart Jr. of Rochelle, IL; daughters: Jorie (Brian) Jackson of The Woodlands, TX, Jodie Hart of Rochelle, IL, and Jill (Eric) Parsley of The Woodlands, TX; grandsons: James Hart, Jadon Exantus, and Benjamin Jackson; granddaughter Emma Jackson; brothers: Jay (Karen) Kissack of Algonquin, IL and Joe Kissack of Chattanooga, TN; sister-in-law, Wendy Kissack of Rochelle and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jan is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jeff.

"Mama" was a superhuman. She was Fierce. She had no limits. From coaching youth for many years, to running a half marathon at 60, to running around with her grandkids, you would always find her active and involved. Mama loved hard. She was an advocate for those she loved and anyone she educated and mentored, always making sure people's voices were heard and they were treated right and well. Her support was unwavering, and you would always find her at the events of her children and grandchildren. She thrived seeing people be their best and celebrated their successes with them. Her legacy will live on in her children and grandchildren, in the people she mentored, the kids she coached, the students she taught, and the lucky many who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jan's family would like to thank all the staff and nurses at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL for all the wonderful care she received while there. Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:30 A.M., August 8, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 244 Waterman Street, Sycamore, IL. A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Monday, August 7 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. Jan will be laid to rest following the funeral service at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Rochelle, IL. Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home or HOPE of Ogle County.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.