Janet Jennings Auchincloss Rutherfurd, the half-sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill, was a prominent American socialite born on June 13, 1945, in New York City. She passed away prematurely at the age of 39 on March 13, 1985, in Boston (en.wikipedia.org).
🫁 Cause of Death: Lung Cancer and Metastasis
- Primary Diagnosis: In August 1984, Janet was diagnosed with lung cancer, as confirmed by official records .
- Advanced Stage: Despite treatment efforts, the cancer unfortunately spread to her brain and pancreas, reflecting advanced metastatic progression (en.wikipedia.org).
- Passing: She succumbed to complications from metastatic lung cancer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston (en.wikipedia.org).
💐 Final Days and Funeral
Following her diagnosis, Janet underwent aggressive treatment but ultimately returned home to Westwood, Massachusetts. She died peacefully on March 13, and her funeral took place at Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island, on March 19, with a private burial in the Common Burying Ground (en.wikipedia.org).
📝 Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| Born | June 13, 1945, New York City |
| Died | March 13, 1985, at age 39 |
| Primary Cause | Lung cancer |
| Cancer Spread To… | Brain and pancreas (metastatic) |
| Place of Death | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Funeral & Burial | March 19, Newport, Rhode Island; buried at Common Burying Ground |
John F. Kennedy’s former first lady, Jacqueline Onassis, was reportedly by Janet’s side during her final moments, underscoring the family’s closeness during this tragedy (en.wikipedia.org, latimes.com).
🏁 Closing Thoughts
Janet Auchincloss Rutherfurd’s life was cut short by aggressive lung cancer that metastasized despite treatment efforts. Her death at the age of 39 highlights both her personal legacy and the devastating impact of metastatic disease.
