Oak Forest Mourns Passing of OFHS '11 Grad Julia Janes

Since her first diagnosis two days after her 16th birthday, up until her untimely passing at 20 years old on Nov. 14—Julia Janes gave cancer one heck of a fight. 

A 2011 Oak Forest High School graduate, Janes radiated love, positivity, selflessness and passion. Daughter to teachers Jeff and Leslie, Janes went on to pursue a career in elementary education at Bradley University. 

Throughout her fight, Janes dedicated her time to lifting the spirits of little ones battling cancer, as a volunteer at both St. Jude's and Advocate Children's Hospital. A "very quiet, unassuming private person ... she was "always thinking of other people," said her father Jeff. 

Julia excelled as a soccer player at OFHS, where she was bestowed the Imagine Award—named for the song by John Lennon, for her vision to imagine there are no obstacles to hold her back. She was named Saint Xavier University's 2009 Women's Soccer "Cougar of the Year." As a sophomore she played on varsity, where coaches recognized her indomitable spirit with the Bengal Inspirational Award, for her courage in battling cancer. Her selflessness earned her the Bengal "We" award, because she never put herself first. 

Though her illness kept her from attending classes at OFHS her entire junior year, Janes kept up with her studies on her own, and was accepted into National Honor Society. 

While attending Bradley University, she started the first-ever college chapter of CureSearch, an international organization which supports targeted and innovative children's cancer research with measurable results. She also proudly joined ESA, a service sorority. Janes planned to travel abroad in Costa Rica, but her hopes were dashed in Dec. 2012. Her college career was cut sadly short following a diagnosis of leukemia. 

An avid reader, Janes enjoyed relaxing with a book, as her service dog Peanut sat alongside her. Doting older brother Michael, 23, often carried her to bed following treatments that robbed her of her strength. 

Julia's parents wish to extend their thanks to the community of Oak Forest—her friends, family and neighbors—for their thoughts, gifts and tributes. 

Luminaria lining their walkway after her passing touched their hearts. 

View her full obituary online.  Memorials may be made to the cureitfoundation.org.

• Visitation: Monday, Nov. 18, 3 to 9 p.m., Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st St. in Orland Park
• Funeral Service: Nov. 19, 11 a.m., same location.