Posted by Lisa Woodman-Rumbles on July 13, 2006:

Janet was my best friend while at West Point. As roommates off-and-on for 3 1/2 years at the academy, we shared many experiences, dreams, triumphs, and disappointments. Janet played an integral part in my surviving West Point until graduation, comforting me when I wept, encouraging me when I was down, and joining me when I needed to blow-off steam. In her quiet way, Janet inspired me to want to be a better person. Virtually everyone who knew Janet, liked her. She was nice to everyone, and lovingly invited anyone to her parents' home in Carmel in need of time away from the Grey Walls. Janet even played an integral part in bringing my husband, then Cadet Todd Rumbles, and I together. After Todd and I started dating (and soon after, fighting), Janet would meet Todd for breakfast and gently encourage our relationship. After West Point, she helped Todd pick out my engagement ring. At Engineer Officer Basic, she met Dennis, and a little over a year later, Todd and I attended her wedding. Janet and I exchanged Christmas cards, photos of our family, and a few phone calls over the years, but I gradually became more absorbed in my own life, and lost touch. At the 10 year reunion, I really wanted to see and catch-up with Janet, but she didn't attend. I gave it little more than a passing thought, until I heard of her passing and the circumstances surrounding her death. I wish I hadn't lost touch and that I could've been a better friend over the years. I feel a great sorrow over her passing, but choose to remember the good times--the smiles, the laughs, the triumphs. My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis and his family.

admin