Janet Louise Oliver

Janet Louise Oliver (nee Kraynick) was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania in 1933 to George Kraynick and Dorothy Mangold. She was the oldest of their three children, and spent her childhood along the banks of the Monongahela River. After graduating from Duquesne High School in 1951, Jan attended Grove City College before being recruited to join the CIA.

In 1954, a not-yet-21-year-old Janet was sent to Japan, where she worked, traveled, and climbed Mount Fuji. During her time there, Jan met and fell in love with a handsome coworker: Winston C. Oliver. In 1958, Jan and Win were married in Singapore — at least, we think they were, but the Scottish priest performing the ceremony had such a thick accent that Jan and Win could hardly understand him.

The happy couple moved to Indonesia, and subsequently continued their work for the government in Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, London, Honolulu and Miami. Their US home base was McLean, Virginia. Janet’s final years were spent at Paramount Senior Living at Peters Township in Pennsylvania.

Janet shared 50 happy years with Winston before his death in 2008. She loved gardening, finding good deals at Tysons Corner, and going to the library.

Janet is survived by her four children: Karen, of Washington D.C.; David (Terry) of Orlando, Florida; Keith (Lisa) of McMurray, Pennsylvania; and Susan (Geoff) Harrison of Savannah, Georgia. She was the beloved Nana of 12 grandchildren: Trevor, Chelsea, Alexis, Colin, Sarah, Kylie, Courtney, Aisha, Chloe, Landry, Chase, and Keira. Janet is also survived by her brother Roger Kraynick (Vera) and their children, as well as her nephews Jeff and Ron (Kathleen) and their children. Janet is predeceased by her husband Winston, parents George and Dorothy, and brother Ken.

Janet died of natural causes on February 1, 2021, and was grateful for the generosity of Lisa and hospice care that allowed her to be surrounded by family at the end. A memorial service will be scheduled later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SMA Angels Charity in Janet’s memory.