Janet Foote

Summit–Janet L. Foote, 87, of Enid Road died Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home following hospitalization.

Born March 4, 1934 in Jefferson, she was the daughter of Howard and Ada (Mabey) Bailey. She grew up on a small dairy farm and attended Stamford Central School, where she graduated as class salutatorian in 1952.

After graduation from Cobleskill College with a degree in food science and nutrition, Janet served as dietician for Jeffersonville schools. At that time, she was an avid bowler. In 1955, she married Edward Foote and moved to the family farm in Summit, where she remained until her passing. Janet put her education to good use as a home economist on the farm, gardening, canning, and preparing meals for her family and to share with neighbors and friends. Always ready to add sunshine to the day of others, she often supplied a home-cooked meal, freshly baked dessert, or thoughtful card for the friends, family, and neighbors who were such a big part of her life. For those new neighbors just moving to the town of Summit, they would find a warm welcome from Janet and Ed, complete with tips on rural life and the offer of a helping hand whenever needed. For those in the community, she was always a willing partner to help with the church, fire department, and other community organizations. On the occasion of those 24” snowstorms, of which Summit was often the recipient, the town road crew would often find her waiting with a hot cup of coffee and plate of cookies for them when they started to plow Enid Road. She was an avid and accomplished gardener, surrounding her home with beautiful flower beds, and her bouquets and arrangements brightened spirits of many.

For her family, Janet was a role model, an inspiration, and an unlimited source of great strength and great love. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother. Holidays and family gatherings were important to her, and she spared no effort in making them an expression of her love for family. She was truly treasured and will be greatly missed.

Janet ran a successful food truck business during the years of the Gilboa dam project and served as school bus driver for Richmondville Central School for many years. Janet retired from CHX in Warnerville, where she was a secretary.

Janet was a dedicated member of the West Fulton United Methodist Church, where she could be seen serving God through her contributions to bake sales, barbecues (her cornbread and coleslaw were legendary), and soup festivals.

She was predeceased by her son, James, in 2014, along with her husband H. Edward Foote on September 25, 2019.

Survivors include her sons: John (Dana) Foote of Summit, Jeffrey (Natasha) Foote of Summit; daughter-in-law, Monica Foote; five grandchildren: Benjamin Foote and Katharine (Rick) Bottieri, Hannah-Rose Foote, Charles Foote, and David Foote.

Family and friends are welcome to a visitation to be held from 4 to 6PM on Friday, May 28, 2021 at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill. A memorial service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at West Fulton United Methodist Church. Since the Saturday church service is limited in space, we ask that reservations for the church service be made by emailing dfoote5858@gmail.com or phoning (518) 491-2353. Repast with light refreshments at the Cobleskill Methodist Church, 109 Chapel St., follows the service. Face coverings will be mandated at both visitation and the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Janet’s name may be made to West Fulton United Methodist Church, PO Box 41, West Fulton, NY 12194.