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Janet Bookspan Obituary
(Sobel)
Florida: September 13, 2008, age 76, much admired opera stage director and performance coach, died peacefully at her Florida home. During the tenure of Eastman School of Music President, Robert Freeman, she regularly coached and conducted master classes at Eastman School of Music. In Rochester, she performed the Sitwell/Walton "Façade" and directed the Rochester Opera Theatre Production of "Die Fledermaus".
Survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Martin Bookspan, children Rachel (Dr. Richard) Sobel, David (Phyllis) Bookspan, Deborah (Scott) Margol, loving brother and sister-in-law Dr. Sidney and Barbara Sobel, grandchildren, Rina and Mark Sobel, Ethan and Jesse Bookspan, Jacqueline and Julia Margol, niece Diane (Gary) Racz, nephews Will (Valerie) Sobel, and Joshua Sobel, great-nephews Julien, Antoine, and Liam Sobel, Matthew Racz, many cousins and dear friends.
Funeral Services will be held on September 15th at Sharon Gardens, Valhalla, New York. Rochester family will be observing shiva Tuesday only at the home of Dr. Sidney and Barbara Sobel, 200 Thackery Road, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in her memory to the music department at the Hillel Community Day School, 191 Fairfield Dr., Rochester, New York 14620.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Bookspan
David and Susi Goodman
September 27, 2008
Dear Marty and Family,
Your wonderful Jan still lives in our hearts, where she has for all the years we've known her. Know that all of you have been in our prayers, and that you are held there still.
judith finell
September 24, 2008
Dear Martin, I was so saddened upon hearing of Janet's passing. While we have been out of touch, I do remember meeting you both at Vassar many years ago in the home of the Freedmans, and again as neighbors and colleagues at the Dorcester.
Janet was incredibly generous emotionally and artistically, and truly lived to give to others both as an artist and a human being. She was a remarkable woman who enhanced the lives of all those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Judi Finell
Carol Elkins-Benson
September 24, 2008
Dear Marty, Debbie, Rachel, and David, Your beloved Janet was also very beloved to many other people - as no doubt you are learning from all the entries. She was a very special person in Jerry's and my lives, while Jerry lived, and a true soul mate since Jerry's passing. I am comforted that she came to resolution in her grief process before her passing. She knew she was leaving unfinished tasks, but was accepting of the tumor that finally claimed her earthly body BUT NOT her wonderful spirit! May you all feel the comfort she sends to each of you from her new "freed existance." I keep you all in my prayers. Love, Carol
Katy Daniel
September 24, 2008
To Janet's Family & Friends:
My heart goes out to you - I pray that your fond and lovely memories of her would give you peace and comfort at this time. Janet was a wonderful lady and fabulous as a teacher. She entirely rocked my world and changed my perspective on what it means to be a singing actor. . . . and I know she left her mark on many people all over the world. Thank you all for sharing her with us!
Dimitrie Lazich
September 24, 2008
Mrs. Bookspan was a wonderful director and human being. She not only helped me develop as an artist but also gave me the confidence to persue my career as an opera opera singer even though I was still at Carnegie Mellon University. I send my condolences to all of her family.
D'Anna Fortunato
September 22, 2008
To Marty and family- I feel that I need to let all of you know what an impact your Janet had on me as a student and later as a friend. I finally have realized that so many relationships in the Music Business are shallow and somewhat manipulative. Janet was , as you know,the reverse of this.I have rarely met anyone who was able to bring their complete self, and their values into the workplace, but she was a shining beacon! Her impact has been indelible and will contine to influence how I live my life and make music. I just wish that I had been a family member like you- what a gift and privilege to have had closeness with such a being!
My deep sympathies to you!
George Mathew
September 22, 2008
Dear Marty,
I was so heartbroken, saddened and shocked to hear this morning at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine that Janet had gone to her rest last week. I remember speaking with her a month ago and she was so full of life and had ideas for my next humanitarian concert. Janet was a special mentor to me as I was coming of age as a conductor and she awakened me as no other to the spiritual and psychic responsibilities of the profession, and she did it with all the grace, strength, wisdom and love of the great mother spirit that she was to so many of us.
I cannot imagine your grief and loss at this fragile time. Bowie and I continue to hold you and the family very close in our thoughts and prayers and know in our hearts that you will find the strength and comfort that you and she always provided for others.
With all our love,
George Mathew and Bowie Snodgrass
Ricky Winokur
September 21, 2008
Dear Marty: This has been a difficult week, and it is hard to find words to "speak" to you. There are so many eloquent messages below and they were a comfort to me. I am appreciative to have worked with Jan and then to have had her as a friend. The day we spent together recently is an especially beautiful memory. She was so brave and positive despite all she went through. She will always be in a little corner of my heart, directing me to follow her example. Good luck getting through this. Ricky Winokur
Shawn Trapp
September 20, 2008
I had the high honor and privilege of meeting Janet a few years ago and then subsequently Marty, through my friend Rose Wolvek. Janet's loss is one that is felt throughout the music world. My sincerest condolences to Marty and his and Janet's families.
Rose Wolvek
September 20, 2008
May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Janet was a supportive friend and great mentor to me. I will miss her terribly.
Rose Wolvek
September 20, 2008
May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Janet was a true friend and mentor and I will miss her dearly.
Scott Gilmore
September 19, 2008
Janet was a prized artist, teacher, colleague and friend, whose intelligence was matched by her heart. Her integrity was a support during both happy and difficult times. She will continue to be a presence in the lives of those of us who were fortunate to have known and worked with her. I hold Martin and her family in my heart, giving thanks for her life and work.
yehuda and Kim gilad
September 19, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Christopher Dunworth
September 19, 2008
Marty: We were saddened to read about Janet's death. She was a wonderful and creative artist and an inspiration to so many. She will be missed, but the good work she did at NWS (and elsewhere) will go on forever.
DAVID RUSS
September 18, 2008
DEAR MARTY, I AM GREIVING OVER THE LOSS OF JANET. I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ONLY GOOD NEWS FROM NOW ON. JANET WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY TOUGHTS AS WILL YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. DAVID RUSS
Matthew Bookspan
September 18, 2008
Martin,
We are very sorry for your loss. Each visit that we shared in NYC with Janet and you was wonderful. She will be missed.
Please let us know if you need anything.
With Love,
Elizabeth, Emma and Matthew
Dana Outlaw-Pezoldt
September 17, 2008
To Debbie, Mr. Bookspan and the whole family,
I'm so grateful to have met your mother/wife/grandmother. What a wonderfully strong and lovely spirit. Oddly enough, I knew when that lovely spirit left us all. Although our meetings were few, they were memorable during our office holiday parties. Our silly games and her competitive spirit added such a layer of fun...so much life to our office party. We are all connected and we grieve along with you and we pray for your grief to turn into celebration of her life. Please know that we all miss you, Debbie and continue to lift you and your whole family during this difficult...unbelieveably difficult time. Be gentle with yourselves and thank you for sharing her with us. Mr. Bookspan, we expect to see you and carry on the Bookspan Moisha Kringle competitive spirit at this year's party.
God Bless,
Dana from the Dept. Cultural Affairs Staff
Nancy and Ziya Aral
September 17, 2008
To Debbie & Scott & Jackie & Julia, and to your family:
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Debbie's mom. She must have been a very special woman to raise such a wonderful daughter. Our thoughts are with you.
John Dozier
September 17, 2008
Martin, I am deeply saddened by Janet's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sarah & Steven
September 17, 2008
Words do not come easy. We share your grief and want you to know that we will always be here for you. We love you.
Gwen Sager
September 16, 2008
To Marty & family, and to Sid & family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Janet was a very special person as well as a special cousin. I hope you can find comfort in knowing she will be with family that have passed before her, including my mother. Janet passed on what would have been my mother's 87th birthday.
I pray you all find peace and comfort in this sad time.
All My Love, Gwen
Keith Wiggs
September 16, 2008
Dear Marty,
Janet was a treasure to so many New Yorkers. Her loss is great.
Our sincere condolences,
Keith Wiggs, Ted LeFevre and family
Dr. Dorothy Cotton
September 16, 2008
Martin and Family,
Janet and I go back to Temple Emanuel in Worcester and we renewed our treasured connection four years ago in Lenox. We did so with hugs and smiles of remembrance.
We enjoyed a close email connection during the winters when you were in Florida.
My warmest sympathy and compassion are yours. Loss of a spouse is, as I know from my work and my life, a sadness that transcends comprehension.
With empathy..
Doe Cotton
Allan Steckler
September 16, 2008
Marty,
Words are never enough. Only time eases the loss somewhat. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Allan Steckler
Teri Noel Towe
September 16, 2008
Dear Marty;
Learning this morning that Janet has crossed to the next world saddened me deeply, but I shall treasure the many happy memories of the fun times we all had together "in the guten alten Zeit".
You and your family have my sympathy and my condolences at this difficult time.
My best and my thanks always,
Teri
Susan Bookspan Hurst
September 16, 2008
Martin, words are not enough to express how I feel at the passing of Janet. I am truly sorry for you and your family's loss. I love you.
Elaine and Bill Epstein
September 15, 2008
Dear Martin, We are so sad. Jan was such a special person to us. Her warmth was that of a most loving person. I always felt that I had known her my whole life, even though it has just been too short a time.
The evening she performed "Facade" was one of the greatest theatre of my life. It was magic. She was magic.
When I spoke with you last week, you sounded so upset. I should have known. I just kept hoping that Jan would have a reprive and have some good time.
I know you will miss her terribly. We, too, will have a hole in our lives.
Please let us know your plans. We would like to do whatever we can to ease your pain.
Love to you and your family.
Bardin and Sue-Ellen Levavy
September 15, 2008
Dear Marty,
We are both saddened (as we expect Sara will be when we tell her) at Janet's death. For one thing, it breaks up a marriage of equals. For another - and even more important - it reduces the number of the virtuous and, in these times, that's no small thing.
It is difficult to speak in these times in anything but platitudes, however sincere. Nevertheless, we remind you that the best of her remains with you and your children and grandchildren and, when all is filtered down to its essence, that's what really matters.
We expect to hear from you after the dust has settled to offer such consolation as friends can.
Bardin and Sue-Ellen
Nancy Shear
September 15, 2008
As if she had been a member of the family, Janet called shortly after my mother's death, saying that I was not to go through my mother's belongings alone. "I'll come with a book, sit in the corner and not even talk to you," she offered. "I'll just be with you." Her unselfish, loving concern for others was part of the fiber of her being. Her love for people, and art, was deep and powerful. My loving thoughts are with Marty and the family.
Joan Nagy
September 15, 2008
Dear Mr. Bookspan,
As a Dorchester neighbor, I’ll miss her smile in the hallway. My condolences to you and your family.
Joseph Dash
September 15, 2008
Our heart goes out to the entire Bookspan clan. We greatly admired Janet and we will sorely miss her.
Joseph&Janet Dash
Dick Aronson
September 15, 2008
Dear Marty:
It is with great sorrow that we share your loss of Janet. We may have been out of touch with you and Janet but you both have always been in our thoughts.
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