Laughter, love and tears...

FAMILY united . . . Janet in 2002 surrounded by her family (from left) Kathleen, Ray, Daisy, Dawn and Demi

JANET Huxley never let her cerebral palsy get in the way of her passion for life, laughter and fun.

The 41-year-old, who was adopted by Kathleen and Ray Navesey 22 years ago, died peacefully on Sunday with her family by her side.

Before she was adopted, Janet, of Milnrow Road, Shaw, had lived on a hospital ward and featured in a Chronicle foster care appeal.

Kathleen and Ray’s daughter Adele befriended Janet during a stay at the Royal Oldham Hospital and she was soon welcomed into her new family which also includes sister Dawn, brother Lee, nephew Dominic and nieces Demi, Daisy, Danni and Darci, who was born two days before Janet died. Brother Daniel died 13 years ago.

Dawn (45) said: “Janet was a young lady who loved everyone and everyone loved her. We will always remember the happy times we shared and her smile that could light up a room. She made us all so proud and not a day will go by that we won’t think about her and what an amazing woman she was. She was unique in every way and an absolute beauty who touched the hearts of anyone she met.”

Janet loved sunbathing, holidays, spending time with her family, music, having her hair and nails done, bird watching and looking after her beloved dog, Ross.

Dawn added: “We all loved Janet so much and she gave us so much back. She was very dependent on us but she really enriched our lives and made us who we are. Her death has left a huge gap in our family. The length of your life is not important, it is what you have done with it and Janet certainly packed a lot more in than most.”

Janet’s funeral will take place at St Joseph’s RC Church, Shaw, on Monday at 9.45am before committal at Oldham Crematorium.