Janet Louise Houston

Janet Louise Houston, 73, passed away peacefully at her home in Allen, Texas, on September 6, 2026, surrounded by her husband, John, and their five children.

Janet was born March 5, 1953, in Denver, Colorado. She attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and graduated from the University of Colorado in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. At just 15 years old, she met the love of her life, John Houston, after her performance in a church play, in Lakewood, Colorado. It was love at first sight, and six years later, at the age of 21, they were married. Together, they built a beautiful life, centered around the thing that always mattered most to Janet—family.

Janet and John raised five children: Joseph (JT), Jaimie, Jeffrey, Jarod, and Julie. Janet was also a loving grandmother to Maddie, Elsie, John, and Sadie, and leaves behind Son-in Laws Nathan Van Tassel and Jeremy Bigler, and Daughter-in-law Emily Houston. Of all the roles Janet held throughout her life, being a wife, mother, and grandmother brought her the greatest joy.

While Janet began her career as a middle-school teacher, her entrepreneurial spirit led to her creating three distinctly different businesses in her lifetime. Demand for Janet’s specific skillsets resulted in the family relocating several times, ultimately bringing the family to Allen, Texas in 2002.

Janet was an incredible mother whose love and devotion to her family could be felt in everything she did. She was endlessly supportive and was the kind of person you could always count on—whether you needed encouragement, reassurance, or simply someone to make you feel better. The closeness her children share today is a reflection of the family she created, and the values she instilled in them.

Those who knew Janet will forever remember her effervescent personality, radiant mesmerizing smile, infectious laugh, and unwavering positivity. She brought the room to life, brightening it with her sparkling personality and charm. She had a knack for making things fun, making people feel loved and supported. Nothing made Janet happier than having her entire family together.

Janet loved traveling, especially with family. Her favorite destination, her Happiest Place on Earth—Disney World. At home, she enjoyed cooking and gardening, but few things brought out her inner joy quite like Christmas. Janet absolutely loved Christmas, and she transformed the family home each year into what felt like the North Pole. Elaborately detailed both inside and out, Christmas splendor was more than a tradition for Janet—it was part of the magic she created for her family, and another reflection of how much she loved bringing the family happiness.

A breast cancer survivor, in recent years Janet faced ALS with the same emotional resolve

and positive spirit that characterized her entire life. Through these challenging times, the love Janet felt for her family, and her desire to share happiness, remained foremost in her thoughts.

Janet leaves behind a family forever shaped by her love, encouragement, and example. Her warmth, laughter, positivity, and ability to make everything feel a little brighter, will be deeply missed, but the family she built and the love she so fondly shared will carry her memory forward for generations.

A Rosary will be said for Janet at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2026, with a visitation from 6:30-8:00 p.m., at Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano Texas.

A funeral mass celebrating Janet’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Plano, Texas, with a reception to follow at the church.

Flowers are welcome, or for those who prefer, the family would greatly appreciate donations made to the Team Gleason Foundation at: https://teamgleason.org/, which generously supported Janet throughout her battle with ALS.