Janice Carlson

1946 - 2022

Janice Carlson spent her life caring for others. Local children, as both an elementary and pre-school teacher. Her parents, as they reached old age. A small, but close, circle of friends she maintained for decades. Her husband, Paul, of 43 years and her children, Chris and Jeff, as they navigated their lives. Jan, 75, died peacefully in her West Hartford home on Wednesday, July, 6 from cancer. Born in Hartford, Conn. on Oct. 10, 1946, to Louise and Russell Risley, Jan graduated from Central Connecticut State University and went on to become a teacher in the Wethersfield school system, teaching at Emerson Williams Elementary School. She met her husband, Paul, on a blind date in 1977, introduced by a mutual friend. They married just over a year later and were blessed with a loving marriage and family. Janice eventually retired to raise their two boys. Their homework became her homework. Their joy became her pride. Jeff is a successful accountant who lives in West Hartford. Chris is a surviving newspaper journalist in Syracuse. She enjoyed looking after her home, yard and garden, as well as lunches and phone calls with a small group of lifelong friends, and caring for her family. In her final days of hospice care, Jan spent her time writing thank-you notes and managing to still dote on and enjoy her family, as she had done for decades. Jan was pre-deceased by her parents, Russell and Louise. She leaves behind her husband (Paul), sons (Chris and Jeff), a sister (Holly), two daughters-in-law (Julie and Asya), two grandchildren (Maya and Max) who she loved to watch play and grow, a nephew (Matthew) and a niece (Kristen) and that legacy of kindness. We will miss her so much and always be grateful for her gentle and thoughtful way. The family will hold a life celebration at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children or the American Cancer Society. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington is serving her family. To share a condolence, please visit us at www.duksa.net.