Janet Elizabeth (Kirkaldy)Mancini

Salt Lake City, Utah - Our loving grandmother, stepmother and sister, Janet Elizabeth (Kirkaldy) Mancini was reunited with her loving husband of 45 years, Vincent on October 14, 2026. Janet passed away peacefully after courageously battling Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis for several years.

Janet was born to Kenneth Williams Kirkaldy and Dorothea Elizabeth (Carolan) Kirkaldy in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on June 9, 1948. The youngest of 3 children, she spent most of her early life in Winnipeg and had what she described as a very happy childhood. Janet described Winnipeg as “a little, big city” which offered much in terms of culture and entertainment but also allowed her to walk to school, church and the grocery store. Her open and engaging personality quickly led to her becoming a favored babysitter in her neighborhood. She enjoyed riding her bike, spending time with her friends and listening to music. She especially liked Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

When Janet was 16, the family moved to Canada's capital, Ottawa, Ontario. She adjusted to this new environment quickly and easily; making friends and maintaining a straight A school record. Her good nature and easy disposition allowed her to thrive in new and unusual surroundings. This adaptability was a characteristic that would serve her well throughout her life. Upon graduation Janet joined the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, starting as a teller and advancing rapidly to the position of accountant. She worked at CIBC for 10 years eventually becoming an accounting instructor at the bank's headquarters in Toronto.

A serendipitous holiday in Acapulco, Mexico resulted in the start of a new phase in Janet's life. It was there that she met and fell in love with her future husband Vincent (Vince) Mancini, a business owner from Salt Lake City, Utah. She soon moved to Utah, and she and Vince were married on May 25, 1978. Once again Janet's kindness and intelligence would hold her in good stead as she now found herself as stepmother to Vince's 5 children and as a trusted advisor in his businesses and wide-ranging interests. The two of them were rarely apart and truly enjoyed each other's company. She was his soulmate, confidante and best friend; terms that only began to capture their profound bond. If Vince was the pilot, Janet was the first officer and navigator that kept their lives on course and running smoothly. Her support and organizational prowess were indispensable as they traveled the country attending conventions, client meetings and visiting Vince's offices throughout the western U.S..

Janet enjoyed travel, she and Vince were fortunate to have opportunities to explore large parts of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Their adventures took them many places, but with Vince by her side, she was just as happy camping out in the back woods of Idaho or the desert of southern Utah as she was going to Venice, Italy to attend a cooking class instructed by Marcella Hazan. Mostly though, they enjoyed spending time with friends and family at home in Salt Lake, at the cabin in McCall, Idaho and the condo in Palm Springs, California.

Throughout her travels, Janet’s sociable nature enabled her to make many long lasting friendships. She was a brilliant conversationalist due, in large part, to the fact that she was an excellent listener. In addition, she had a truly incredible memory, recalling the smallest details from events that occurred years or even decades before. She was also an avid correspondent, as her family and close friends can attest. One of her most amazing talents was the ability to pick out THE perfect card for any occasion, write a thoughtful, heartfelt message, and usually have it arrive on the exact date being celebrated.

Janet cherished the holidays but was especially fond of Christmas. She derived great pleasure from every aspect of the Yuletide season; decorating the house, planning the meal, shopping for gifts, and even writing dozens of cards. She loved all of it: Sitting with Vince opening their gifts from each other and from her brother and sister in Canada, making and receiving calls from friends and relatives and the large family gathering when stepchildren, spouses and grandchildren would congregate for an amazing meal. She reveled in watching her grandchildren’s excitement and joy as they opened the presents she had so thoughtfully chosen.

It was the 8 grandchildren who gave her the greatest pleasure, she adored them all. She and Vince would often be found at the various sporting events, school functions, recitals, graduations and all the activities these extremely energetic youngsters participated in. Although there were many large gatherings involving the whole family, Janet and Vince also devoted quality time to each child on an individual basis, taking them hiking, going swimming, playing board and card games, assembling puzzles and picking huckleberries. As the kids grew older Janet and Vince became mentors, offering guidance and counsel on important life decisions. She gave her full support and encouragement to whatever endeavor her grandchildren pursued. Janet’s last few years were made infinitely brighter by the arrival of her two great-grandchildren, Sloan and Finn and her grandnephew Hiro.

Janet touched many peoples’ lives in amazing ways, and her poise, grace and kindness will be truly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband and best friend of 45 years Vince, her parents Ken and Dorothea Kirkaldy, sister-in-law Jane and grandnephew Matthew.

She is survived by her stepchildren Vincent "Tad" (Mary), Chris (Sharon), Tim (Kassi), Mark (Anna) and Judy (Adam).

Additionally, she leaves behind 8 grandchildren Megan (Adam), Mikelle, Vince (Erin), Emmi, Joey, Abbi, Hailey and A.J.. She is also survived by her sister Barbara (Fred), her brother Douglas, nephews David and Brian, her niece Susan (Ted), two great-grandchildren and a grandnephew.

The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to all of the healthcare professionals who assisted Janet over these last months, your professionalism and care is greatly appreciated. We would also like to give special thanks to Dr. Barry Stults and Chef Kris Dews for truly going above and beyond in caring for both Janet and Vince.

A memorial service for Janet will be held on November 10, 2026 at Larkin Mortuary 260 E South Temple Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and memorial services at 11:00 AM. A private burial for family members will be held later.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made in Janet’s honor to the Vincent P. and Janet Mancini Endowed Chair at the University of Utah. The University of Utah Hospital and School of Medicine held a special place in the hearts of Janet and her family, making this a meaningful way to honor her memory and lasting legacy.

Memorial donation may be mailed to:

University Advancement

P.O. Box 58006

Salt Lake City, UT 84158

Or donate online at:

University of Utah Memorial Giving

To watch the memorial service live or view the recording, please click the "Watch Services" button above.