Santa Marie A. Janssen

To the Janssen Family:

I just found out yesterday that Santa passed away. I will miss seeing her at the Early Learning Center. I appreciate Santa's commitment to children in District 186. She made a difference in the lives of so many children and their parents. I always looked forward to her visits when I was an at-home mom with four young children. She would sit on the floor with us and play games, interact with the kids. Kids made her happy and she enjoyed what she did. The last...

Dear Tom & Family:
I know I haven't seen your family since 1975 or so but my thoughts have brought you all to mind often. I was with Jackie and Kristen when the unfortunate news reached us. I always felt Santa was a beautiful, professional, polished lady. I was very happy when you married her. I know you and the children will miss her terribly. Remember that memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with you always. Take comfort in knowing you were a special part of a...

The Janssen Family.
Joe and I will miss Santa very much. She was a wonderful person and we loved spending time with her. Every moment spent with her will be treasured. She will be in our memories forever.
Love you all very much! Joe Dinardo, Mary Williams and Family

Santa was a very special person with very special gifts. She was always willing to jump into very difficult family situations to help out a child. She was a true advocate for children in need and helped so many. She never expected recognition because her actions were truly selfless. The world will miss her. My deepest sympathy to all of her family.

Dear Nick and Angela and Family ...
We want to let you know your City Starz!/Kids Inc. family is thinking of you during these difficult days. Mrs. Janssen was ALWAYS there helping Nick work his magic with the talented kids of Springfield. Mrs. Janssen was always smiling and so noteably proud of Nick, and the groups he directed. She was an inspiration for all of us, and it is quite easy to know why Nick is the amazing teacher he is!
Much sympathy coming your way ... Our hearts are...

Dear Janssen Family,
I feel so privileged to have made Santa's acquaintance at the ELC. I began screening 3-4 year-olds for the pre-school several years ago and always loved it when she was doing the vision/hearing piece. She was a very special lady who had a gift for working with little people and their parents. She will be greatly missed.

Dear Janssen Family,

I got to know Santa about 3 years ago. My son Ryan has several issues including autism, but when he was about 1-1/2 years old, a friend referred us to the ELC where Santa met with us and told us to bring Ryan to the Drop-In every week. We did that for 2 days a week for almost 2 years. Santa was our angel who opened the door for us at the ELC and allowed us to bring Ryan to be with other children despite his disabilities. It was also then that she advised us...

Santa was such a good soul. She was a hard worker, and dedicated to helping all children. She always had a smile to share. Even in the last few weeks that she worked, when she was in noticeable pain, she always found a way to comfort others around her. Our staff is very sad at her passing, but glad to know that she and our friend Bernadette are now together again.

Tom and family,

Sandy and I were heart broken to here of Santa's passing. Although we could not be there, know that you are in our thoughts every day. May loving thoughts of your wife and mom keep you close as a family and hopefully someday ease the pain you feel today. Love and prayers from Denver.