Janis E. Theodore

PITTSFIELD, Mass.- Janis Elizabeth Theodore, 64, of Buel Street, died Monday, March 26, 2012, at her home.

Born in Manchester, N.H., on April 22, 1947, the daughter of Philip and Thelma Hunter Theodore.

She was a 1965 graduate of West High School in Manchester, N.H. Following high school graduation, she earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of New Hampshire and later a master's degree in fine arts from Indiana University, where she graduated summa cum laude.

As a professional artist, Ms. Theodore specialized in oil painting, charcoal sketches, portraits, and gouache. She taught at several colleges and universities, including Smith College, UMASS Boston and Montserrat College. She exhibited her art work at the Uptown Gallery in New York City, Francesca Anderson Fine Art in Lexington, Art 3 in Manchester, N.H., and The Copley Society of Boston. She was also a lifelong member of the Copley Society and the Pastel Society of America.

Janis was an avid gardener and took great pride in keeping a jade tree alive for more than 30 years, and many of her friends have enjoyed their own jade tree from donations made by the mother tree. Nothing made her happier or delighted her more than to spend time with her grandchildren and to listen to their giggles and laughter.

Ms. Theodore is survived by her husband, Geoffrey Craig, of Great Barrington; her son, Jedd L. Hall and his wife Sandra C. Hall of Lenox Dale; a sister, Linda McDonald of Arizona; her grandchildren, Gabriella Christina Hall and Addison Hunter Hall; two nephews, Sean McDonald of Illinois, and Craig McDonald of Sweden; her close friend, David Gardner of Gloucester; and lastly, her beloved and devoted dog, Dylan, who will miss his best friend dearly.

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SERVICES: Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

A gathering of Janis's friends and family will be held Saturday, April 21, at noon at Mazzeo's Ristorante, 1015 South Street, Pittsfield, 01201.

Memorial donations in Janis's name may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.