When we think about the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong inevitably comes to mind. However, the story remains incomplete without the mention of the woman who stood by him, Janet Shearon Armstrong. This article intends to shed light on the life of Janet Shearon, her early life, her relationship with Neil Armstrong, and their family life.
Early Life and Education
Janet Elizabeth Shearon, born on March 23, 1934, in Wilmette, Illinois, was the youngest of three daughters born to Dr. Clarence and Louise Shearon. She grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged her to pursue her academic interests. Her parents’ emphasis on education led Janet to Purdue University, where she pursued her studies in the School of Home Economics.
During her time at Purdue, Janet became a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. This experience played a significant role in shaping her personality and honing her leadership skills. It also provided her with a platform to interact with a diverse group of individuals, thus broadening her horizons.
Meeting Neil Armstrong
It was during her time at Purdue University that Janet met Neil Armstrong. Neil, who was studying aeronautical engineering at the same university, was already making a name for himself as an aspiring aviator. Their paths crossed, and a beautiful relationship started to blossom. Janet was drawn towards Neil’s ambition and dedication. Despite his growing popularity, Neil remained grounded, which further deepened Janet’s admiration for him.
Their friendship soon turned into a romantic relationship, and they became inseparable. Janet was Neil’s pillar of strength, providing him with the emotional support he needed to navigate through the challenging phases of his life and career.
Marriage and Family Life
Janet married Neil Armstrong on January 28, 1956, in a simple yet beautiful ceremony. Their love for each other was evident to all who knew them, and their marriage was a testament to their strong bond. The couple welcomed their first child, Rick Armstrong, in 1957. Becoming parents brought them closer, and they were ecstatic about starting a new chapter in their lives.
In 1959, they were blessed with their second child, Karen Anne “Muffie” Armstrong. However, their happiness was short-lived as Karen tragically passed away at the tender age of two years and nine months due to a brain tumor. This was a devastating blow for the couple, but they managed to support each other through this difficult time.
Despite the tragedy, the couple decided to move forward with their lives and welcomed their third child, Mark Armstrong, in 1963. The birth of Mark brought a new ray of hope and happiness for the couple. Throughout these highs and lows, Janet remained a strong pillar of support for her family, exhibiting extraordinary strength and resilience.
Life During the NASA Years
Janet’s life took a dramatic turn when her husband, Neil Armstrong, embarked on his journey with NASA. It was a time of uncertainty, excitement, and intense pressure. The family relocated several times, eventually settling in Houston, Texas, the hub of the NASA space program. The Armstrong family moved from the San Gabriel Mountains near Lancaster, California, to Lebanon, Ohio, and then to Texas. This constant shifting was a testament to Janet’s adaptability and strength.
Despite the challenges, Janet was a pillar of support for her husband. She was a silent hero, managing her household and caring for their children amidst the chaos. Janet was not just a supportive wife; she was a part of the KIT (Keep-In-Touch) group of astronaut wives. This group was a source of mutual support and strength for the women whose husbands were risking their lives in the pursuit of space exploration.
Involvement in the Apollo Missions
During the Apollo missions, Janet played a crucial role, providing moral support to her husband. The Apollo 11 mission, which was a historical event, was a period of intense stress and anxiety for the Armstrong family. Janet faced the pressure with resilience, standing by her husband and calming the fears of their children.
Janet was a beacon of strength and courage during these missions. She was there to celebrate the victories and face the adversities. Her unwavering support and belief in her husband’s dreams played an integral part in the success of these missions.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Despite the limelight and the pressures of being an astronaut’s wife, Janet never let go of her individuality. She was more than just Neil Armstrong’s wife; she was a woman of substance with her own interests and hobbies.
Janet was an active woman who loved nature and the outdoors. She was an avid swimmer and even founded and coached the El Lago Aquanauts synchronized swimming team. Her love for nature was evident in her passion for gardening. She had a special bond with water and plants, finding solace and peace in these simple pleasures of life.
Beyond her hobbies, Janet was known for her lifelong friendships. She believed in the power of relationships and maintained close bonds with her friends from the KIT group and her Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Her friends remembered her as a strong, resilient woman who was always there for them.
Divorce and Later Years
Life is often a blend of joyous peaks and challenging valleys, and Janet Armstrong’s life was no exception. After 38 years of marriage, she and Neil Armstrong decided to part ways on April 12, 1994. The end of their marriage marked a significant turning point in Janet’s life.
After the divorce, Janet moved to Utah. She divided her time between the scenic landscapes of Deer Valley and the vibrant cityscape of St. George. Janet, being the resilient woman she was, did not let this phase of her life dampen her spirits. Instead, she channeled her energy into staying active and pursuing her interests.
The waters of El Lago bore witness to Janet’s love for swimming as she founded and coached the El Lago Aquanauts synchronized swimming team. This was not just a hobby for her; it was a way to connect with the community, pass on her knowledge, and stay engaged.
Janet also made it a point to attend various reunions and events, maintaining her social connections. It was her way of preserving her link with her past and staying involved with the people and organizations that had been part of her journey.
Legacy and Contributions
Janet’s life was a testament to her fortitude and commitment. She was the woman standing strong behind a man who was literally reaching for the stars. But, Janet’s legacy extends beyond being just an astronaut’s wife. She was a woman of strength, courage, and dedication who contributed significantly to the American space program of the 1960s.
In the face of adversity and public scrutiny, Janet demonstrated remarkable courage. Her unwavering support for her husband during this critical phase in American history has been widely recognized and appreciated. She was the rock that sustained her family during the tumultuous NASA years.
Apart from her contributions to the space program, Janet is remembered for her love for nature and the outdoors. She found joy in the simple things in life, like the feel of the earth under her hands while gardening or the rush of the wind against her face during a swim.
Janet’s life was not just about her relationship with Neil Armstrong; it was about a woman who faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience. She left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her and on the pages of history. Janet Shearon Armstrong passed away on June 21, 2018, at the age of 84, after a battle with lung cancer in West Chester, Ohio.
Her spirit and legacy continue to inspire those who know her story, reminding us that we can face the challenges of life with courage and grace, just like Janet did.
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