Janet M. Winjum (nee Colosimo)

Age 83 of St. Paul’s Eastside, Passed Away on January 3, 2018

Janet was born in San Jose, California on December 22, 1934. When she was 12 years old, her family moved to Minnesota and bought a home on St. Paul’s Eastside. She began attending St. Paul Mechanic Arts High School. One evening, while attending a dance and show at The Prom, she was pulled on stage to dance. In the crowd watching was John Winjum, and he knew he had to talk with her. On June 30, 1962, they were married at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Janet was intrigued by cosmetology and dermatology. She became certified in electrolysis and was one of the first women in the state of Minnesota to start her own business in electrolysis. She worked for over 40 years in the industry and loved how happy people would be when they were done with treatments. When she was not working, Janet continued her passion for dancing with John. They attended over 40 dance conventions for Tango, Ballroom and West Coast Dancing. They were very active and enjoyed downhill skiing, rollerskating, and boating. One of the most known traits that Jan had was her kind, giving, and caring heart. It was this loving personality that brought her and John to adopt 4 children in their late 40’s. They were on a trip to Costa Rica and had the opportunity to adopt 3 siblings, Marvin, Annia, and Alex. When they were back in Minnesota, they realized that Annia should have a sister so they adopted a fourth child, Kalli, from Colombia. Janet’s family was the center of her life and she was a phenomenal mother. Her love did not stop for her kids as she also had a soft spot for animals. She was a longtime member of SPCA and had many pets throughout her life. Janet was blessed with many grandchildren as well and they remember her for her big personality, her sense of humor, her ability to have fun, and her love for shopping. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Janet was a very strong individual and a fighter. Throughout the last ten years of her life, she bravely battled breast cancer, had a stroke, and was diagnosed with dementia. Janet passed away from lung cancer on the morning of January 3, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clara (nee Molinaro) and Sam Colosimo. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, John Winjum; her four children, Marvin Winjum of Roseville, Annia (Robert) Johnson of Stacey, Alex (Carmen) Zuniga of Thief River Falls, and Kalli (Tony) Yost of Shoreview; many grandchildren; her four cats, Raja, Sam, Shammy, and Tom; and other family and friends. There will be a gathering for family and friends from 4:00-8:00PM on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul. There will be live music at various times throughout the night for everyone to enjoy. In lieu of flowers, Janet’s family would appreciate any memorials to go to SPCA in her memory.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.