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Janie Lea Wood Bifano, a beautiful, vibrant mother and friend to many, departed peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Vero Beach, FL at the age of 86 where she resided seasonally for 17 years. She was a member of Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church and a faithful volunteer at The Source Homeless Outreach Center in Vero Beach.
Born in Charleston, WV on June 22, 1938, Janie was known for her infectious laugh, high energy and unwavering spirit. Always a fitness enthusiast, she started the first aerobics classes in her home community of Elkview, loved Nautilus gym and running partners Mary Kay and Joann. Janie was passionate about clothes, shopping for crafts with Linda, dancing and music. She enjoyed Broadway shows, restaurants, Central Park charity walks in NYC and spent many summers with loving companion, David, in Ocean City, NJ.
Janie graduated from Morris Harvey College in Charleston with a BA in Education and retired from Kanawha County Schools system after 35 years of teaching elementary and middle school.
Survivors include Susan & Matthew Wingender (daughter and son-in-law) of Manhattan, New York.
Predeceased by beloved husband Daniel Robert Bifano, parents Carl & Pheobe Wood, grandparents Eva & Goff Browning and Lexus, cherished Maltese.
West Virginia was always home to Janie who loved the mountains in Spring and Fall, Mountaineer football talks with Lea Anne, The Ridges, John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads” and an abundance of friends and teaching colleagues especially Debbie that remained close at heart.
The family extends heartfelt wholehearted gratitude to Private Nursing Care, Inc., the VNA Hospice Team and Heron Cove Assisted Living for their kindness and exceptional care.
Honoring Janie’s wishes, her ashes and final resting place will be with beloved husband Daniel and parents Carl & Phoebe Wood in Charleston, WV where an intimate service and celebration will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Bobbi Needle - Friend
May 27, 2025, 5:16 pm
It was a pleasure getting to know Janie & her beloved Lex . We had some good times shopping & giggling. Our condolences to Susan , Matthew & David. Bobbi & Jay
Susan Mcnicholas - Long time family friend
May 27, 2025, 8:25 pm
Dear Susan and Matthew, we are so sad by your loss of the beautiful and vibrant Janie. She was a lover of dogs and I love this perfect photo of her. I will always remember her fondness adventure, being a gal on the go! and will never forget having the pleasure of signing along side her at a not -too -long -ago! Billy Joel Concert! She will be missed, and never ever forgotten.