Janis Newport

Janis Ilene Newport, affectionately known as Jan, passed away in her home, on Friday, October 30, 2026. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Janis lived life on her own terms. She was a woman with a larger-than-life personality, a quick wit, strong opinions, and a free spirit that could never be contained. She was outspoken, always honest, and loved to laugh. Janis was never one to blend into the background. Wherever she went, she had a way of becoming the center of attention and filling a room with her unmistakable energy.

Janis was a mother to three children, Bridgett Ladehoff (Joshua), John Bennett (Dena), and Danyelle Bennett. She was a proud grandmother to Ethan Piispanen (Karigan), Eleanor Ladehoff, and Erica Ladehoff, and an adoring great-grandmother to Paisley Piispanen who called her Ya Ya. Family was an important part of Janis's life. Growing up, holidays and gatherings were never complete without her elaborate homemade meals. She was an amazing cook and valued bringing her family together around the dinner table, even if dinner didn't happen until 10 o'clock at night.

Janis had an entrepreneurial spirit and was always finding her next adventure. At various times throughout her life, she owned a clothing store, owned and operated a beauty shop, and catered events. She was always working on a new idea or pursuing another side hustle. Hair and beauty, however, were her true passions. She even organized a fashion show to showcase the clothing from her store, bringing her love of fashion and flair for entertaining together. Janis was a classy woman who always looked well dressed and put together, recognizable by her signature short, spiky hair and distinctive neck tattoo. She had a style that was unmistakably her own.

Creativity and projects were a constant part of Janis's life. She adored cross-stitching, although finishing the projects she started was sometimes another story! She was always making lists, planning something, or dreaming up her next project. Growing up, her family knew that a quiet Sunday morning could quickly turn into a full house makeover, with Jan already repainting and redecorating before everyone else had even gotten started with their day. Sitting still simply wasn't in her nature.

Janis was a woman of endless curiosity who seemed to know a little about everything. She had a genuine passion for learning about the world around her, was deeply invested in politics, and loved sharing her knowledge and opinions. People often came to her for advice because of her wisdom, honesty, and willingness to speak her mind. Music was another great love in her life. Her musical tastes reflected her free spirit, with favorites including Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Allman Brothers Band, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), and Jimi Hendrix. She loved to dance, laugh, and have fun. A hippie at heart, she believed in living freely, thinking independently, and loving people without judgment.

Janis leaves behind her four siblings: Juanita Sannes and her husband, Bob; Joanie Newport; John Newport and his wife, Sue; and Jeanie Newport. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor and Howard Newport.

Janis will be remembered for her outspoken nature, entrepreneurial spirit, impeccable style, late-night dinners, unfinished cross-stitch projects, handwritten recipes, spontaneous home renovations, love of music and dancing, and her ability to make herself heard in any room. But perhaps the greatest lesson she leaves behind is one she hoped her children would carry throughout their lives: kindness and compassion for others. She believed in seeing ALL people for who they are and loving them without judgment.

Janis was unapologetically herself. She lived boldly, loved deeply, spoke honestly, danced freely, and never stopped learning. The world was a little more interesting because she was in it, and her spirit will live on through her family, who loved her dearly.

The family plans to hold a private Celebration of Life.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever dancing to her own beat.