Obituary for Janet Marie Burnstedt O'Brien

Condolence From: Christie Davis
Condolence: My condolences to Janet’s family. I will never forget her. The first time I met her was hearing her play the piano during my audition for VV. I knew instantly she had an amazing talent and was making me sound better than I should’ve .. especially since I was so incredibly nervous!! I respected her instantly. Thank you to Janet for that amazing experience which turned into 15 years of being a part of the Vaud-Villities family!! I am forever grateful for her.
Rest In Peace,
Christie Hall-Davis

Condolence From: Randy and Pam Leonard, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: Sending thoughts and prayers to Janet's family. Pam and I knew Janet through our time in the Columbia Gas Chorus. She was always full of life and a joy to be around. She was loved by all and will be missed.

Condolence From: Linda Wright, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: The Chancel Choir and congregation at Christ United Methodist Church were so blessed to have Janet as our accompanist for 14 years. She was such a creative professional and a joy to work with! We were blessed to have her with us. These words were shared at her retirement party at the church:

A is for Ability
C is for Creativity
C is for Cool, Calm and Collected
O is for Organist
M is for Musicality
P is for Pianist
A is for Always Ready
N is for Nice
I is for Improvisation (Noodling!)
S is for Service
T is for Tenacity

Our prayers go out to her family.

Linda Wright
Chancel Choir Director
Christ United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio

Condolence From: Carolyn Barton, Circleville, Ohio
Condolence: The world has lost a beautiful, talented lady. We first met Janet when she bought our house on Yaronia Drive. We really enjoyed having her in the neighborhood. Then I had the pleasure of working with her at Clintonville Academy when she played for all our shows and concerts. What a pianist! She could play anything! We will miss her.

The Bartons

Condolence From: Ann and Fred Hitzhusen, Columbus, OH
Condolence: I was lucky to get to know Janet and to sing in choir with her at IPC. My mom was also at Friendship Village and I got to visit with her. When mom passed Janet played piano at her service. I'd given her some music that I knew mom liked and Janet did a wonderful job of putting it all together in a very special way. I especially liked that she played the Hawaiian Wedding song with flourish, one of mom's favorites! Blessings to all of the family, I know you have some great memories. You have our sincere condolences.

Condolence From: WENDY WAIT-CHRYSLER, WORTHINGTON, OHIO
Condolence: To Gary, Dan, Nancy and Kathy,
Your mother was one in a million. She was so full of vim and vigor and the life of the party. Her musical skills were as grand as she was. She was one of my mother's best friends who cherished her friendship. They were true partners in travel, fun and life. We used to go listen to Janet play at The Wine Cellar. Now, they can be together once again and stir up Heaven. All of you bring back fond memories of my childhood and beyond. I'm sending my heartfelt condolences to each one of you. Your mother lived a long and fulfilling life, and brought smiles and laughter to all that knew her. May her love live on, through all of you. May God bless you in this difficult time.
Love to all of you,
Wendy

Condolence From: Mary (Chari) Nocks Cheadle, Westerville, Ohio
Condolence: Gary, Dan, Susan and Kathy- I can not begin to express my thoughts regarding the influence that your Mother had on me as a child. She was a dear friend to my mother, Mary Nocks, and when the time was appropriate for me to begin my piano and voice studies it was “ off to Janet’s house we go”. I came from a family of many musicians proficient in voice, piano, organ , trumpet, and violin. My Grandmother Mildred Nocks was also a legend like Janet, so my parents only wanted the best for me. Although I did not prove myself to make a musical notation in local history, my daughter, Stephanie Hoenie , picked up where I left off and Graduated from Capital University Conservatory with a degree in Piano Performance. I have always owed that to Janet for keeping the fire burning through the generations. I was honored to have Janet play at my wedding 48 years ago and and I know Heaven has a new angel leading the choirs of our Eternal residency. My sincere condolences for your loss. Mary