Janet Cave Seely

Janet Cave Seely September 1, 2023

Janet Cave Seely passed away on September 1st, 2023, in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 68. She was beloved wife, loyal friend, and valued family member and mentor.

Janet had a long career in her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, with Time-Life Books. Based on her writing and people skills, as well as hard-nosed determination, she rose through the ranks of commercial journalism to the position of book editor. She could say the ABCs backwards. She discovered a long-lost 1947 R&B hit with a colleague while researching “The Giants of Jazz” book. She had her palm read while working on “The Mysteries of the Occult.” Her sign was Aries with attributes of action, coming in first, challenges, championing causes, and spontaneity. Dislikes were waiting around, admitting failure, no opposition, tyranny, and other people’s advice. Who says astrology is hooey?

Janet maintained numerous long-term friendships, and Holiday gatherings were always noisy and boisterous. Her last job in Alexandria was working with a high-school classmate at International Association of Movers as director of communications.

Janet was an adventurous traveler. She made an early 1990s trip to California with a close friend, driving along the coast and stopping at many beaches, and to a Swiss thermal-springs spa dating from Roman times. She led friends to a Wyoming dude ranch to celebrate her 50th birthday. She preferred making her own reservations, always looking for the road less travelled.

Janet disliked most reality shows but loved Project Runway and Say Yes to the Dress hosted by an across-the-street neighbor. She enjoyed going to movies and made dinner of popcorn and diet coke. She liked to quote Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Janet was a city girl, but eventually retired to coastal North Carolina with her husband John. She enjoyed walking on the beach, and said she worked out more problems on the sand than sitting in the car in traffic. She was active in the Holden Beach Ladies Club and her neighborhood communications committee. She learned to shag dance to beach music.

Janet said she learned something new every day but did not always remember it. Who does? But a friend like Janet is unforgettable.

Janet will be interred in her family cemetery in Etlan, Virginia, between her parents Herman Cave and Maude Jenkins Cave, and alongside her beloved cocker-poos Henry and Spencer. She is survived by her husband John Seely, sister Linda Buser, niece Stephanie Bieniek, and nephew Brian Buser.

All are invited to attend Janet’s graveside service at 12 noon on Sunday, October 29, at Etlan Cemetery located at 230 Church Hill Road in Etlan, Virginia, 22719. Following the service, all are invited to attend a reception at the nearby Blue Quartz Winery at 2585 S F T Valley Road.

Any donations should be directed to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, phone # 877-858-1640, lifecare.org/donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shallottefunerals.com for the Seely family.