Janet, 76, known fondly as "Sis" and "Gagat," passed away April 28, 2026, due to complications after surgery.

She had a rare gift for truly seeing people. She lived by the principle of 'paying it forward,' often in ways that were as quiet as they were impactful. It was not uncommon, while standing in a grocery store line, for her to sense that the person ahead of her was having a difficult day. Without fanfare or a need for recognition, she would simply lean in and tell the clerk that she'd be covering their bill. For her it wasn't just about the money; it was about offering a moment of grace and a reminder that the world can be a kind place.

Janet was the family matriarch - who led by example - showing her family that the greatest strength lies in an open hand. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Greg, and her parents Stanley and Violet Gross, and her niece Suzanne Gross, who all preceded her in death. She is also preceded by her long-time companion - her diva white poodle, Lucy JAK.

She is survived by her brothers and their wives and children. Stan and Lisa Gross, Bruce and Kathleen Gross as well her nephew Thomas Gross and his wife Gemma Friedli and her two children Jackson and Hayden. Also her two nieces Jennifer Bianca and her husband Peter and their two children, Joseph and Matthew; Maegan Watson, PhD, and her husband Justin; Michelle Woolever and Courtney Woolever with her husband Michael Eiswerth, DO, and of course their son Luca, the 'lil peanut'.

She is also survived by many cousins on both sides of the Gross and Statkun family tree. As well as the Kerstetter family tree - especially Greg's sisters Gwen and Jody. And, Boni Lamson, mother of Tom and Meg. Janet was fortunate to have friends/neighbors that she loved dearly, Linda, Maggie, George and Krista.

A special shout out to all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.

A graduate of Binghamton North High School (Class of 1967) and a local business school, Janet was known for her tireless work ethic. Her career began as a teenager waitressing at the Arena Restaurant, followed by a brief stint as a keypunch operator at Universal Instruments-a role she quickly realized wasn't her calling. Instead, Janet leaned into her business training, finding her niche in accounting. After working as a general bookkeeper for H. Abramson Accounting, she then spent over 20 years as a dedicated staff accountant for Mondorf and Fenwick.

Her legacy of kindness will be carried on by her siblings, Stan (Lisa) Gross and Bruce (Kathleen) Gross, and all those who were fortunate enough to witness her generous spirit. She taught us that although some tough roads and her short illness could take her body, it could never touch the vast store of love she left behind in the hearts of strangers and family alike.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Janet's life on Tuesday May 12 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at DeMunn Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 36 Conklin Ave., Binghamton, New York, 13903.

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday May 13, 2026 at St. John's and St. Andrew's church located at 1263 Vestal Ave., Binghamton, New York 13903 starting at 10:30 with burial to follow at Vestal Hills Memorial Park.

Janet would not have wanted us to dwell on the complications of her passing, rather to focus on the difficulties she helped solve for others through her kindness. She leaves us with a challenge: to be more observant, to be more generous, and to never miss an opportunity to make a stranger's day a little easier.

She will be deeply missed, but every time an act of kindness is performed in her honor, the matriarch of our family lives on.

The last words Janet spoke were, "Thank you for everything".

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Janet's memory in the way she would have by paying it forward. Whether you cover a grocery bill or a cup of coffee.

If you choose to give a donation, please donate to the local Humane Society, the local Catholic Charities food-bank or Jessica's Corner.