- Date Of Birth: August 15, 1936
- Date Of Death: May 1, 2013
- State: Colorado
Janet Gail Bornhofen (James) of Columbine Valley, Colorado, died May 1, 2013. She was born Aug. 15, 1936, in Thornton, Iowa, to John Wesley and Dora Mary James.
She married Richard Gerard Bornhofen on May 28, 1960, in Chicago, and they enjoyed their 50th anniversary together in 2010 in a celebration surrounded by a lifetime of family and friends.
Janet is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard; their seven children, Richard James (Karen) of Raleigh, N.C.; Joseph (Patti) of Highlands Ranch; David (Donna) of Highlands Ranch; Mary of Highlands Ranch; Michael (Kristin) of Highlands Ranch; Katherine (Patrick) of Peoria, AZ; and John (Jessica) of Denver; and 13 grandchildren. She also is survived by brothers John (Joanne) of San Juan Capistrano, CA; and Charles (Arlene) of Tucson, AZ; and sister Laurayne Dalsimer of Oceanside, CA.
When Janet was 19, she joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur in Texas as “Sr. Mary Martha” and was a nun for three years. After leaving the convent, she met Richard in Chicago. Shortly after getting married, they moved to California, where they met lifelong friends and began raising their brood of seven, until moving to their current home in Littleton in 1980.
Janet dedicated her life to her children and her family, and was proud of always having an open door, a hot cup of coffee, a sympathetic ear and, of course, a bounty of homemade food for all who gathered. She welcomed everyone for all occassions, and the Bornhofen home has become known as a place where all can come and feel welcome.
Although she left the convent, Janet remained close with God throughout her life and is now enjoying her eternal reward for a life spent teaching her children the value of family, friends and – following Christ’s example – the legacy of a life dedicated to serving others.
