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Janice Lieberman Obituary
Nov. 14, 1930 - Nov. 28, 2019
Jan Lieberman, 89, children's librarian and beloved storyteller, died Thanksgiving Day following an extended illness. Janice Audry Somers was born in Chicago on Nov. 14, 1930. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin and married Don Lieberman on June 17, 1952. They moved to San Jose in 1953 and Jan taught 2nd grade for eight years at Scott Lane School. She earned her MA degree in library science in 1965 at San Jose State, where she taught Children's Literature for 20 years. She retired from Santa Clara City Library in 2005. Jan also taught at Santa Clara University, volunteered as a librarian at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, and was active in Kappa Delta Gamma. She is also remembered for her leadership in the Santa Clara County Reading Council and her popular Tips 'n Titles newsletter for Grades K-8. Jan was predeceased in 2012 by husband Don, to whom she was married 60 years. Memorial donations can be sent to the Jan Lieberman Concert Fund, Santa Clara City Library, 2635 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051. Jan requested no memorial service.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries
Matthew Gollub
January 13, 2020
Missing you, dear friend, and recalling our connection through music and children's literature. You took my original Jazz Fly book under your wing, and from there my bond with you and Don was formed. Over the years, when speaking work would take me to Santa Clara, we enjoyed many laugh-filled dinners in your home (capped by quirky, one-off varieties of ice cream that you always seemed to favor--true to your Wisconsin roots!). You sure left your mark on lots of librarians on the Peninsula, having taught Library Science at San Jose State for many years. Rest well, Jan. You are loved by many and brightened the lives of those lucky enough to know you.
December 8, 2019
Jan was a dear, special lady. Always smiling no matter her pain. I will miss her upbeat personality and warm friendship.
Kris Jarvi
Miss. Harbir Bhatia
December 6, 2019
Dear Lieberman Family,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Janice. I am the president of the Santa Clara Library Foundation and Friends Board, and have known her through the org. I appreciate the support and commitment she has shown to the libraries and our organization through the concert series.
I wish her peace and happiness with the almighty. And you all I wish you strength and love of family and friends through this time.
Please accept my condolences. Your family and Janice are in my thoughts.
Nancy Coleman
December 6, 2019
Greatly saddened to learn of Jan's passing. I knew her first as the Children's Literature professor for my teaching credential program. She wrote this to me about a major project for that class: "Your insight, your sensitivity, your appreciation of the poetic experience sends chills through me. There is so much that you'll be able to do in the classroom that I can hardly wait for you to have a class of your own." She inspired me to be an advocate for books and for reading. My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
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