Janet Kain Passes Away

      Janet Houlihan Kain died surrounded by her family, on April 19, 2015, from complications following a fall she took while visiting her beloved brother and sister-in-law, Joe and June Houlihan in Northbrook, Illinois.
      Janet is survived by six of her children, Victoria K. Fretwell (Robert) of Annapolis, MD, John V. Kain (Nancy Lee) of Hagerstown, MD, Sara Kain Sale (James) of Baltimore, MD, Brian J. Kain (Lori Lynn Rubeling) of Emmitsburg, MD, Christopher J. Kain (Wei) of Parker, CO, Jan-Marie Kain (Albert W. Woodfield, III) of Galesville, MD; thirteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph T. and June Houlihan, both of Northbrook, Illinois and sister-in-law Kathrene B. Houlihan of Bronxville, New York. She was preceded in death by her brother Daniel J. Houlihan, her sister, Rita Anne Houlihan, rc, her husband of 32 years, John W. Kain, their son Stephen W. Kain, their granddaughter Rita Marie Sale, and her good friend Nicholas J. Carroll.
      Janet was born on January 2, 1928 in Bronx, New York to Rita Marie and Joseph T. Houlihan. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle in 1949, where she remained a proud and active alumnus until her death. She received her Master's Degree in Education from Columbia University and taught briefly before marrying Jack Kain in 1952. Together they raised their seven children in Tuckahoe, New York, East Norwalk, Connecticut, Syracuse, New York and Crofton, Maryland. Janet returned to teaching in Syracuse in 1970 and then continued for 22 years, most of them as a treasured faculty member at Davidsonville Elementary School, Davidsonville, MD.
      Janet's life was centered in her family, her faith, and her passionate belief in women's equality, world peace and human justice. She was a founding incorporator of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crofton, MD in 1976 and served as the first parish council president in addition to working on various committees within the church over the next 40 years. Janet and a group of fellow Catholic friends formed Ocean of Glory, a family faith community they shared for two decades. She continued to explore and support the role of women in the Catholic Church through her involvement with Mt. St. Agnes Theological Society in Baltimore, MD. After her retirement, Janet devoted her volunteer time to Network, a Catholic peace and justice lobby in Washington, D.C. She was an avid reader and active member of a cherished book club until her death. Janet was a loving, gracious, courageous and generous woman, beloved by all who were blessed to share in her life.
      A memorial Mass to remember and give thanks for Janet will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1800 Seton Drive, Crofton, MD 21114. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to one of Janet's favorite charities, Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.