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Janis ORENSTEIN Obituary
Janis Orenstein
Janis Orenstein July 1, 1948 to December 30, 2010 After a profound engagement with cancer-an encounter that was a long, slow dance, a deep conversation, and a spiritual practice-- leaving behind her beloved husband Aydin, a circle of extraordinary friendships, and those unknown hearts who have been touched by her singing voice; predeceased by her adored Aunt Joyce, and her parents Lillian and Morris, she also leaves her brother Frank and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
She wishes to express her gratitude to those doctors and nurses who saved her life and assisted finally in her dying, foremost among these: Pauline Pariser, David McCready, Paul Goss, Val Ali, Joan Murphy, Randi Shaul, Elizabeth Christie, Josh Colby, and Jascelyn Matthewman.
She also wants to thank those caregivers who lifted her up onto angels' wings: Sheri Mitchell, Leslie Walcott, Mary Hart, Irene Robb, Deborah Rosberg, Sue Reynolds, and most of all the extraordinary loving care of her beloved husband Aydin.
She will be remembered for her outstanding career as a singer (studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto beginning at age 6, at the Julliard School in New York and the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England, as well as at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto); also for her mentoring of other artists, her appreciation of beauty, her creativity and her profound engagement with questions of a spiritual nature.
Most of all, however, she will be remembered for the qualities she brought to her friendships: her presence, her ability to listen and to hear, her perceptive guidance, and her unconditional acceptance and love.
When told she had little time left and asked if there was anything on her 'bucket list' she said, 'If I ask myself 'Did I become the human being I wanted to be?' the answer is 'Yes. Yes I did.' So there's nothing I have left unfinished.'
Service to be held 11:30 Saturday, January 1, 2011 South Bay United Church 2029 County Road 13, RR #2 Milford, ON
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janis ORENSTEIN
10 Entries
John Moore
December 12, 2024
Watching 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964) on NBC tonight, December 12th, 2024. I did some research and found Janis Orenstein. What an extraordinary way to n\be immortalized for eternity, making children feel the magic of Christmas while bringing back loving holiday memories for adults, like myself. May Janis Rest In Peace while her lovely voice lives on in perpetuity.
Brant Wickhamp
December 8, 2024
Watching Rudolf on its 60 year anniversary. Loved the song "There´s Always Tomorrow" and discovered Janis recorded it as a young girl. No song was ever sung so beautifully. So sad to know she died young. Bless her soul.
Elijah Dominguez
December 6, 2024
It still hurts that Janis passed away so soon..
Especially since she was considerably younger than a lot of the other voice actors in the special's cast too, only being 16 years old when she recorded her dialogue and song as Clarice...
I'll never forget your beautiful voice and singing voice Janis.
Thank you for giving Clarice her soul and contributing much joy across the world.
May you continue to rest in peace and I hope your family found tranquility...
Jared Sands
December 1, 2024
I always loved Ms Orenstein. Especially as Clarice. She was my favorite of all the reindeer. I´ll miss her soothing melody of "There´s Always Tomorrow." It inspired me never to give up on my dreams. She was the Christmas candlelight that sparked my confidence higher, and my mother and I will always treasure her. And so, I created a poem to show how much I miss her. And it goes like this. "in a glen where soft winter winds sigh, beneath the velvet twilight sky, lies the voice of Clarice our dear reindeer friend, whose gentle spirit will never end. With antlers crowned like branches wide, she danced in the snow with joyful pride. Her laughter rang in frosty air, a melody of love and care. Through pine scented woods she roamed so free, bringing warmth to all who´d see-Her silken coat of light brown and white, a beacon bright in the starry night. Now stillness falls upon this space, we gather here to mourn her grace. Yet memories shine like candlelight, each treasured moment, warm and bright. As Clarice she taught us how to share, the joy of giving shows we care. And though she journeys far away, her spirit lives within each day. So let us raise our hearts anew, in honor of what once was true. For every hoofprint left behind will echo softly in heart and mind. Rest now sweet Janis, in slumber´s deep, your legacy is ours to keep. As stars twinkle up above the cold night air, forever cherished, that´s how much we care. As winter sky is snowfall kissed, dear Ms.Orenstein, you´ll be greatly missed. We´ll recall the times when we sung and played with you Clarice, so now may your spirit rest in peace." My family and I will greatly miss her, but her legacy will forever remain in our hearts and minds, and I´ll do everything I can to make her spirit proud.
Liz McKee
December 23, 2023
After watching Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer one more time I thought I'd look up Janis but was greatly saddened to learn she had passed. There's Always Tomorrow is one of my very favorite songs, and it was so g to perfection by Janis. My deep condolences to her family, belated as it is.
Pam StPierre
December 11, 2023
Your song will always be in everyone's hearts and everything we hold dear at Christmastime. Rest in peace, you are singing with the angels.
Ralph Ruggeri
October 4, 2023
Ms. Orenstein, thank you for your song, "There's always tomorrow" it has always been one of my favorite songs. As a young boy watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, I took favor to the song and I still to this day have a special place in my heart for it. Voice of an angel for sure.
Jay F.
May 10, 2023
Dear Ms. Orenstein:
You have a very, very beautiful voice. "There's Always Tomorrow" is a great song, mainly because of your talent and emotion, for lack of better words. I hope that you are resting peacefully. Thank you for sharing your magnificent gift with the world.
Love,
Jay F.
Mark Jones
December 20, 2022
And you were that glorious voice of Clarice in Rudolph the red nosed reindeer..... I finally researched it and found you. What a voice! None other like it. And it lives on forevermore. Thank you, dear lady.
Jim martz
November 29, 2022
My name is Jim martz,
I want to say how Beautiful your voice did for me as a child, in fact I'm 59 now and listened to an Angels Voice again. You touched my life thank you and may Gods unconditional Love wrap around you and everyone.
God Bless you.
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