When we think of heroes who have touched the stars and made history, we often forget about the strong individuals who supported them from the ground. One such unsung hero is Janet Shearon. Born on March 23, 1934, Janet was the pillar of support for the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Janet’s life was a testament of resilience, love, and courage as she navigated the challenges of being an astronaut’s wife during the peak of the American space program.
Janet’s life was not just about being Neil Armstrong’s wife; she had her own identity and contributions to her community. This article aims to shed light on this remarkable woman’s life, from her early years, her education, to her fateful meeting with Neil Armstrong.
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Early Life and Education
Janet Elizabeth Shearon was born in the beautiful town of Wilmette, Illinois, to Dr. Clarence and Louise Shearon. As the youngest of three daughters, her early years were filled with love and care. She inherited her father’s love for knowledge and her mother’s strong will. These qualities would later prove instrumental in shaping her future.
Janet was an excellent student and graduated from New Trier High School. With a thirst for learning, she went on to attend Purdue University. At Purdue, she studied in the School of Home Economics. Here, she developed a knack for management, a skill that would later help her manage her household while her husband was away on space missions. Janet was also part of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Meeting Neil Armstrong
Janet met Neil Armstrong at Purdue University. One could say that their meeting was written in the stars. Neil was an engineering student and Janet was pursuing home economics. Despite their different academic interests, they found common ground in their love for knowledge and exploration.
Neil was drawn to Janet’s intellect, resilience, and beauty. Janet, on the other hand, was impressed by Neil’s ambition and dedication. Their shared values and aspirations laid the foundation for an enduring relationship. They started dating and eventually decided to spend their lives together, unaware of the extraordinary journey that awaited them.
Their love story was not just about romance; it was also about partnership and mutual support. As Neil pursued his dreams of reaching the stars, Janet was there, supporting him every step of the way. Their journey together was filled with high points and challenges, joys and sorrows, but through it all, they remained each other’s pillars of strength.
This is only the beginning of Janet Shearon’s inspiring life story. In the next sections, we will explore her life as an astronaut’s wife, the challenges she faced, and the ways she contributed to her community. Stay tuned to learn more about this amazing woman whose life was as extraordinary as the man she stood by.
Marriage and Family Life
On a winter day, January 28, 1956, Janet Shearon and Neil Armstrong tied the knot. The union marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would see them raise a family under the shadow of space exploration. Janet and Neil’s marriage was more than a compact between two people in love; it was a partnership of shared dreams, hopes, and at times, shared sorrows.
The couple was blessed with three children: Rick Armstrong, Karen Anne ‘Muffie’ Armstrong, and Mark Armstrong. Their happiness was, however, short-lived when their daughter Karen succumbed to a brain tumor at the tender age of two. This was a heartbreaking period for the family, and Janet, with her strong will, played a significant role in helping the family through this challenging time.
Life as an Astronaut’s Wife
Being an astronaut’s wife was far from easy. Janet had to manage her household single-handedly while Neil was away on space missions. She had to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that came with the uncertainty of space travel and the constant public scrutiny. Yet, she did it all with remarkable strength and grace.
During Neil’s tenure as a test pilot and astronaut, the family moved to different locations, from the San Gabriel Mountains near Lancaster, California, to Houston, Texas, for the NASA space program. Throughout these years, Janet was a rock, providing stability and support to her family amid the frequent relocations and Neil’s dangerous career.
Founding the KIT Group
Understanding the unique challenges that came with being an astronaut’s wife, Janet sought out ways to support not just her family, but others in her situation. She founded the Keep-In-Touch (KIT) group, a community of astronaut wives who provided mutual support, companionship, and understanding.
The KIT group was an essential part of the astronaut community. It became a platform where these women could share their experiences, fears, and joys. It was a testament to Janet’s leadership and her commitment to her community. The KIT group was more than just a support group; it was a sisterhood formed in the crucible of the space age.
In founding the KIT group, Janet not only created a support network for the astronaut wives but also highlighted the significant and often overlooked roles these women played. They were the unsung heroes, supporting their partners from the ground, keeping their families together, and managing the press and public interest.
Janet Shearon’s life was indeed a life less ordinary. As we delve deeper into her journey, we will discover more about her strength, her resilience, and the legacy she left behind. Stay tuned as we continue exploring the life of this remarkable woman in the next sections.
Divorce and Later Years
After 38 years of marriage, Janet and Neil Armstrong decided to part ways. The year was 1994, and the end of this chapter was as monumental for Janet as its beginning. It marked the start of a new journey, one where she would navigate the waters of life without Neil at her side. But Janet, with her indomitable spirit, faced this new phase with courage and grace.
Post-divorce, Janet sought solace in the serene landscapes of Utah. She moved to Deer Valley and later to St. George, embracing the tranquility these places offered. Her love for nature and the outdoors provided comfort during this transitional period in her life.
Despite the changes in her personal life, Janet remained active in her community. In 1964, she had founded the El Lago Aquanauts synchronized swimming team. Even after her move to Utah, she continued to support the team, showcasing her unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and promoting sports.
Legacy and Contributions
Janet Shearon Armstrong left behind a legacy that extended beyond her role as an astronaut’s wife. Her strength, courage, and dedication were evident in every aspect of her life. From managing her household during Neil’s absence to supporting other astronaut wives through the KIT group, Janet’s contributions were significant and far-reaching.
Her love for sports and her commitment to promoting them was equally noteworthy. The El Lago Aquanauts synchronized swimming team that she founded is a testament to this. Janet was not just a founder; she was a mentor and coach, guiding young talent and instilling in them a love for the sport.
Janet’s legacy is a reflection of her strong will and her unwavering commitment to her family, her community, and her passions. She was a woman of substance, a source of inspiration for many, and a beacon of strength and resilience.
Remembering Janet Shearon
On June 21, 2018, Janet Shearon Armstrong passed away at the age of 84. She succumbed to lung cancer, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Her life was a story of love, courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
Janet was more than just Neil Armstrong’s wife. She was a woman of strength, who stood by her husband during one of the most defining moments in human history. She was a mother, who nurtured her children and helped them navigate the challenges of life. She was a friend, who provided support and companionship to other astronaut wives. And she was an advocate for sports, who nurtured young talent and promoted synchronized swimming.
In remembering Janet Shearon Armstrong, we remember a woman who was as extraordinary as the man she stood by, a woman whose life was defined not just by her association with Neil Armstrong, but by her own strength, resilience, and dedication. She remains an inspiration, a symbol of strength in the face of adversity, and a testament to the power of resilience and love.
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