Janet Rotenberg Sacks

Janet was born March 19, 1945 in Bakersfield, California to John and Billie (Bennett) Loofbourow. The family settled in La Canada, where Janet attended school and graduated from Crescenta Valley High School’s first graduating class in 1963.

She attended UCLA, and in 1968, graduated from the UCLA School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (Janet’s class was the first class not required to wear hats!). In 1969, Janet earned her California Registered Nurse license. She then worked at UCLA Medical Center in the Acute Medical Ward, and earned certifications as both a Cardiology Technician and a Gastroenterology Technician.

Janet’s unwavering passion and commitment to both learning and nursing was one of her defining features. She maintained her RN license throughout her lifetime, and expanded her range of experience by working in various labs and clinics with the American Red Cross, Harbor General Hospital, and UCLA Medical Center in the areas of Chemotherapy/Radiation Therapy, Phlebotomy, Gastroenterology, Clinical Research, and Hypertension. She also earned Certificates in Grantsmanship, Disaster/Preparedness Training, Life Support, and Reiki Practice. Over the years she was a member in multiple professional and civic organizations.

In 1982, Janet found her true calling when she joined what was then known as Camarillo Hospice. Her knowledge and experience, combined with her natural ability to be present with others and to see individuals as whole people, allowed Janet to provide truly exceptional end-of-life care. Janet often spoke about the importance of ensuring dignity for patients in their final moments, and she was a passionate advocate for patients’ rights. Her Home Health and Hospice work continued in various positions for Camarillo Hospice, the Camarillo Health Care District, ProCare Home Health and Hospice, and finally, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association Home Health and Hospice. Janet received well-deserved recognition for her work from United Way of Ventura County, the California State Assembly, Camarillo Hospice, and the Camarillo Health Care District.

Janet’s friends and family will always remember her for her quick wit and her outgoing, engaging spirit. She was never more in her element than when she was caring for others - something she did with a rare and generous heart. Her laughter could fill an entire room, and to her kids, she was undeniably the funniest mom in Ventura County - and also the undisputed champion of scrambled eggs. Janet had a remarkable ability to make people feel at ease, to lift their spirits, and to inspire confidence. Whether encouraging someone to reach for the stars or gently nudging them to believe in themselves, Janet radiated a quiet strength and a “can do” attitude that shaped her life and the lives of those around her.

Janet lived with a deep enthusiasm for life and a genuine desire to help others see the beauty in the world. She loved to learn, to try new things, and to share those joys with others. From gardening and flowers to classical music and the theatre; from cooking and hosting family gatherings to traveling and creating art — she embraced it all with curiosity, excitement, and warmth. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and cherished caring for her grandchildren, just as she had cared for everyone else: with unconditional love, devotion, and joy.

Janet is survived by her loving, supportive husband, Norm, of 28 years; their three children, David (and his wife, Rosey), Deborah (and her husband, Rich); and Count Boogie; seven grandchildren (Isaac, Arthur, Dane, Drake, Benjamin, Jack, and Lucy); one sibling, Betty (and her husband, A.J.) and her two children, Diane (and her husband, Steve, and their two children) and John (and his wife, Tiffany, and their two children).

A private service will be held to honor Janet’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association Home Health and Hospice (www.lmvna.org).