Janet Bookspan

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.

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...

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...

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!

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.

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...

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,...

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....

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.