Janet B. Sikora

June 14, 1935 - November 2, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Janet Boyle Sikora; a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was loved by so many family and friends.

Born on June 14,1935 in Westfield, NJ to William Owen Boyle and Gunhild Benestad Boyle, Janet was their fourth and youngest child. She excelled in high school and went on to work a few years in New York City for Standard & Poor's. She met Skeeter Sikora in 1955 and agreed to date him solely on the fact that she liked his car. She and Skeet married in 1956 and shared a wonderful 44 years of marriage raising a large family in Bernardsville, NJ. Janet went back to work when the youngest ones were in high school beginning with Tamke Tree Experts and then a twenty-year career at AT&T before retiring early. During her time at AT&T, she went to college at night and managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in English at the age of 58.

In her early years of motherhood, she participated in Junior League, played tennis with friends and was an avid ping pong enthusiast. We have fond memories of mom ice skating with us at Schiff in the winter, screaming in the stands at our sporting events, and spending a week each summer at the Jersey shore. She and Skeet bought their own beach house in the late 80s in Avalon, NJ and began a wonderful relationship with that town and its people. They joined the Avalon Yacht Club where Janet was involved in several of their house tours. She joined the Civic Club, the Lions Club and the Garden Club among other local organizations. She was proud to serve as a Eucharistic Minister at Maris Stella/St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church even donning a mask to serve hundreds of people during covid. For many, many years, Janet was spotted walking all over Avalon in her trademark straw hat, especially to her regular Tuesday breakfasts at Uncle Bill's with her besties.

Widowed at 64 years old, she split her time between Avalon and Naples, FL. She thoroughly enjoyed her fellow snowbirds participating in trivia nights, Bunco games, even playing on a bocce team for several years until she was 89. Becoming a widow at such a young age, Janet chose to live life to the fullest. For the next 25 years, she traveled the world extensively with many dear friends and family. She was truly proud to have Flag Day as her birthdate with her yard often covered with flags on her day. Other years, she spent her birthday in many exciting locations such as New York City, Paris, Greece, China, Africa, and Iceland, even zip-lining in Alaska on her 84th birthday.

Predeceased by her husband, Arthur Joseph "Skeeter" Sikora in 1999, a daughter, Karen, in 2003, and a daughter-in-law, Joan, in 2008, Janet is survived by her son, Jeffrey; her daughters, Kathleen Raines (David), Jennifer Dianastasis (Ernest) and Kristen Kerr (Corbitt); eight grandchildren, Eric Sikora (Andrea), Jacqueline Sikora Greenfield (Matt), Jack Dianastasis, Paisley Dianastasis, Haley Kerr, Corbitt Kerr, Skylar Kerr and Boden Kerr; and six great-grandchildren, Sienna Sikora, Silas Sikora, Kaylee Greenfield, Ernest Dianastasis, Carlisle Dianastasis and Merritt Dianastasis. She was predeceased in April of this year by her big sister and lifelong best friend, Pat Barnum. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Janet donated to countless causes that brought her great fulfillment. She would want you to do the same in her name if you are so inclined.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Melissa Morgan and all of the amazing women of Home Instead-Wilmington who cared for Janet with such incredible love and kindness during her time convalescing in Delaware.

A funeral mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Chapel, 25th and First Avenue, Avalon, NJ, on Friday, November 6 at 10am, with visitation beginning at 9am. If attending, please add a touch of red to your ensemble - a nod to Janet's very favorite color.