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JANYCE WIEBE Obituary
Age 59, Ph.D., a native of Albany, NY who found a true home in Pittsburgh, lost her 37-month battle with leukemia on December 10, 2018. Beloved daughter of Richard A. and Jean P. Wiebe of Cedar Park, TX; she is also survived by her aunt, Robin Wiebe of Green Valley, AZ; siblings, Ellen Simms of Cedar Park and Rick Wiebe of Providence, RI; their spouses, Rich Simms and Michele Mericle; and many loving nieces and nephews. Jan was a Professor of Computer Science and the former Director of the Intelligent Systems Program at the University of Pittsburgh, and a fellow of the Association for Computational Linguistics. She was blessed to have the love and support of her many friends from the Steel City throughout her ordeal, which she bore with tremendous grace and courage. A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2019; details will be announced through the ROSE FUNERAL HOME of Penn Hills, rosefuneralhomeinc.com. Donations to support cancer research may be sent to the Director's Development Fund at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in memory of Janyce Wiebe, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pgh., PA 15232, 412-623-4700.
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Terri Rauch Maureen Lemmon
March 30, 2019
Janice was always kind when Maureen and I worked for her. Maureen says Jan I will miss you and enjoyed working for you all those years. I considered you more a friend than a customer. You are missed very much.
We know that Jan is in a safe place now free of pain and illness. A place of love and light.
Debra Smith
January 19, 2019
It was a privilege and my honor to be one of her personal care assistants. Our conversations were so insightful. She was a joy to be around. She loved family, friends and her colleagues. She spoke highly of her students. Steeler games brought her joy, there is no bigger fan than Jan. I miss her. Especially today. My condolences to all who mourn.
Rick Wiebe
January 10, 2019
Thanks to all of you who remember my sister fondly. We were lucky to share our lives with her. As my dad says, there's a hole in our hearts.
daniel mosse
December 22, 2018
She was an Educator and a Researcher, both with capital letters. Dedicated to her profession and her causes, she also held lots of other interests. I always remember her full of energy. RIP.
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Bing Liu
December 22, 2018
Very sad. Jan has made so many pioneering contributions to subjectivity and sentiment analysis. She will be forever remembered.
Dan Roth
December 21, 2018
So sad to hear of Jan's passing. Jan was one of my favorite NLP researchers, both for her work and her laugh and kindness. We traveled together in Seoul after EMNLP-12, I think, and I always liked her company in meetings. She will be missed.
Bonnie Dorr
December 19, 2018
Jan had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many people, and an entire community. A true scholar, leader, mentor. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of her friendship, mentorship, and collegiality. Jan will be missed.
Barbara Di Eugenio
December 18, 2018
Jan and I met many years ago at a scientific conference. We were both PhD students then. I was struck by the novelty of her work, and by her grace. We crossed paths many times over the years in professional circles and I was always impressed by her ideas, and by the fact she made you feel instantly at ease. She will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
Lingjia Deng
December 15, 2018
Dr. Wiebe lighted up my way during my Ph.D. study. Jan not only taught me the advanced knowledge in artificial intelligence, but she also taught me to be a person who helps other people and contributes to the world. We have worked on various research projects for only five years. But the things I learned from Jan will guide my whole life.
Abby Fleischauer
December 15, 2018
Love always
Abby Fleischauer
December 15, 2018
We met at the bus stop about 15 years ago & made a friendship traveling into work & downtown, that included special Fourth of July's at home or out in the neighborhood, watching fireworks from the bridge or bus adventures to watch from Duquesne Heights, Pirate & Steeler games, hikes in the park, birthday dinners, your tea party ... my sweet, smart, & strong Friend -You are missed, remembered fondly, & loved so very much!!! ✝♥
Keren Ye
December 14, 2018
I feel sad about the passing away of Dr. Wiebe. In my memory, she taught me the first artificial intelligence course in the United States; in the class, she is kind, humorous, full of wisdom, and willing to help every student in the class. It is too hard for me to imagine the world without her. May she rest in peace.
Fan Zhang
December 14, 2018
It is really saddening to hear the loss of Dr. Wiebe. I had the opportunity to attend her classes and work with her on multiple projects and she always impressed me with her great passion for research. She is also a very warm-hearted person who is willing to help her students when they need it. I will always remember her bright smile and the passion she has rushing between offices and classrooms to get more time for her work. Thank you Dr. Wiebe!
December 14, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Family at this very difficult time. May the comfort of our Loving Creator be with you. Isa. 41:1O,13.
Chris Thomas
December 14, 2018
I am shocked and saddened at the loss of Dr. Wiebe. She had an effervescent personality and made often dry material fun. She helped me get a start in computer science and actively involved me in her research projects, even though I was just an undergraduate at the time. I know I wouldn't be the researcher I am today without her. She was truly an irreplaceable member of this department. Thank you for your guidance / help / support Dr. Wiebe!
Min-Yen Kan
December 14, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear about Jan's passing! We wish her family, friends and all of her colleagues and students our condolences.
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