A Life of Connection: Remembering Janet Elizabeth Mancini
The Salt Lake City community is preparing to honor the life of Janet Elizabeth (Kirkaldy) Mancini, a woman whose grace and organizational precision left a lasting mark on those around her. Janet passed away on October 14, 2026, following a courageous battle with Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 9, 1948, Janet was the youngest of three children. Her upbringing in what she fondly called a “little, big city” instilled in her a sense of independence and a deep appreciation for community. Whether she was walking to church or school, or later working as an accounting instructor at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Toronto, her adaptability remained a defining trait.
From Winnipeg to Salt Lake City
The trajectory of Janet’s life shifted during a holiday in Acapulco, Mexico, where she met Vincent (Vince) Mancini, a business owner based in Utah. Their union on May 25, 1978, began a 45-year partnership that saw Janet take on the role of matriarch to Vince’s five children. As noted in the biographical records shared by Legacy.com, she was far more than a stepmother; she served as a trusted advisor, navigator, and first officer in their shared life, helping to manage the complexities of Vince’s business interests across the western United States.
Their life together was marked by a shared sense of adventure, ranging from camping in the Idaho backcountry to attending cooking classes in Venice, Italy. Despite the breadth of their travels, Janet’s focus remained firmly on the people who filled their home in Salt Lake City, their cabin in McCall, Idaho, and their residence in Palm Springs, California.
The Art of the Thoughtful Gesture
Those who knew Janet often spoke of her extraordinary ability to listen and her near-perfect memory for the smallest details of people’s lives. She was an avid correspondent, a talent best exemplified by her knack for selecting the perfect greeting card for any occasion—always arriving, by design, on the exact date of the celebration. The holiday season, particularly Christmas, was a time when this dedication shone brightest, as she meticulously planned meals and gifts for an ever-growing family.
Family Schedules Memorial Service at Larkin Mortuary
The family has extended their gratitude to the healthcare professionals who supported Janet, with special recognition for Dr. Barry Stults and Chef Kris Dews for their exceptional care. A memorial service is scheduled for November 10, 2026, at Larkin Mortuary, located at 260 E South Temple in Salt Lake City. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be directed to the Vincent P. and Janet Mancini Endowed Chair at the University of Utah. This endowment reflects the high regard in which Janet and her family held the University of Utah Hospital and School of Medicine, institutions that were important to their lives. For those unable to attend in person, the family has arranged for a live stream of the memorial service through the Larkin Mortuary website.
