Janet Frost Heffern, 62, of Clinton peacefully passed away at her home on Sunday, June 17, 2012 after a long and valiant battle with breast cancer.
A lady of many talents and accomplishments, Janet grew up in Blount County and graduated as salutatorian of Alcoa High School in 1967. She received her RN from St. Mary's School of Nursing in 1970 and spent the majority of her career as a critical care nurse at Parkwest Medical Center. Following her retirement in 2010, the "Janet Heffern, RN Critical Care Scholarship" was established in her honor for her "compassionate care for her patients, her thirst for knowledge and ongoing learning, and teaching colleagues in order to raise the bar of excellence."
Janet's thirst for knowledge led her back to school in later years. She received her BSN from ETSU in 2006, and at the time of her latest diagnosis in 2010, she had just completed her MSN from UT to become a nurse practitioner.
Janet was an active and much loved member of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Norris where she served as a member of the altar guild, taught Sunday school, and directed the children's choir. She also tended to the church gardens planting beautiful flowers and plants.
Janet took great pride and was envied for the beautiful English flower gardens that she tended around her home. She also loved music, both with her wonderful voice and as a member of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club. Janet had a lively and vibrant personality and a nurse's caring and compassionate soul. She was extremely well-loved and lived her life to the fullest.
Janet was preceded in death by her father, Robert Frost of Maryville. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 41 years, Thomas (Tom) Heffern of Clinton, son Todd Heffern and wife Kristen, grandson Elliot of Knoxville, son Andrew Heffern and wife Jessica of Chattanooga, her mother, Mrs. Betty Frost of Maryville, sister Carolyn McAmis and husband, John of Maryville as well as numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice and Professional Case Management for their loving and professional care during these last few months.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions can be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church in Norris, TN or to the "Janet Heffern Parkwest Critical Care Continuing Education Fund" at Parkwest Medical Center, either by mail at Fort Sanders Foundation, 280 Fort Sanders West Blvd., Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37922, or online at www.fortsandersfoundation.org via the "Make a Donation" button and by typing the fund's name into the "Other" box located on the donation page.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 20th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lion's Club Pavilion on the Norris Commons. The family requests that all attending please dress casually. A service will be held Thursday, June 21st at 5 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Norris. The Rev. Joe H. Minarik, Jr., Rector will officiate.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.