Janet A Baines

Janet A. Baines, 95 of Vero Beach Florida passed away on December 24, 2024. She was known for her kindness, generosity, cheerful optimism and love and support for her family and community. She was warm and vibrant with a dazzling smile and ready laugh. She enjoyed meeting new friends and often said "Everybody has a story; you just have to ask" and "Eat dessert first".

Janet was born on September 14,1929 in Rochester, NY to Clarence and Ethel (Welsh) Crawford. The family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Janet graduated from high school. She attended Miami University in Ohio and became a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She cherished her sorority friends and was active in the alumni group throughout her life. She graduated with degrees in psychology and sociology.

Janet was ahead of her time; as a young woman she was career oriented, independent and self-sufficient. Her first job after graduation was with Time magazine in New York City. Following that, she had a long career with the US Department of the Navy as a civilian social worker. Her career took her all over the country and the world, from Oak Harbor, WA to Galveston, TX to London, South America, and Europe. She traveled widely, loved vacationing, was an avid skier and tennis player, maintained lifelong friendships and was a prodigious letter writer.

She retired in 1992 to Sebastian and Vero Beach, FL where she met and married Elliot Baines in 1998. Together, they were dedicated to many charitable organizations. Janet was a long-time advocate and supporter of the Children's Home Society, the Humane Society, VNA and Habitat for Humanity. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Scottish Society.

She is survived by her brother, Richard Crawford, nieces and nephews Gail Crawford, Judy Crawford (John Hassett), Tom (Holly) Crawford, David Crawford (Nanette) and grand nieces and nephews Meghan (Daniel) Ray, Peter and Jack Crawford, Patrick and Brian (Natalie) Hassett and great-grandnephew Benjamin Hassett.

Also survived by her four stepsons and their families, David and Cherie Baines, Barry and Kathryn Baines, Kevin and Jenine Baines, Elliot and Linda Baines, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elliot Baines and first husband John Chapple.

A memorial service will be held on January 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd, Vero Beach, FL. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice is appreciated.