Janice Leanor Wilson

A Memory... Shared on the First Anniversary of Jan´s Passing

Oh, For the Love of Birds!

Over the years ( between 1977 and 2004), Ty and I spent lovely afternoons on the Wilson-Lineal backyard deck/patio. It was usually after a very delicious meal...meticulously prepared by Michelle, assisted, typically, by Jan, that we would then venture onto the patio. One noticed immediately, in their impeccably kept backyard, the presence of bird feeders. Jan and Michelle shelved an abundance of provisions for birds, dogs and cats and nice wines for their friends I had always loved birds; my friend, Jan, knew and loved birds. As we would sit there relaxing, Jan would predict which birds would be arriving , their approximate arrival time, their habits and which bird feeder they´d likely gravitate toward. She was an amazing observer of birds.

Remembering the place birds occupied in Jan´s days, in her life, her quiet times and ( when they perched) yes in her very hands, still touches my heart. Whenever I see birds, I think of Jan....and smile. The bird memory is as dear to me as the memories of our " holiday choralling " with the kids on our block, their dads and moms, Jan and Michelle...guitar in hand and singing like a pro, which we soon recognized Mick to be.

How blessed we were!
Michelle, know that you are in the forefront of my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for everything you and Jan did to make Maryland Avenue a very happy place for us all.

Jan was our Freeport, NY neighbor for over 30 years. Over time, she and Michelle became more than just our neighbors; they became our dear friends as well as our “ go to” problem solvers. Whether we were wrestling with the how to of a home repair or a concern about a school budget, Jan and Mick were always great coaches.

Jan was an amazing person. She stood out because she was such a beautiful mix of compassion, competence, creativity and dedication. I remember how gently and skillfully she guided me when I was a first year principal in a school where she was on staff.

Jan, we loved and admired you. Rest In Peace.
To Jan’s beloved Michelle and family - we send love and prayers ..

Remembering my cousin
My earliest memory of Jan was with our grandfather (Grandpa Andersen). We were probably 4 or 5 at the time, but 3 photos of that day still exist. Looking back, we could have passed for brother and sister, which was appropriate, since we were together often, and to me she was the sister I never had. We remained close and throughout our lives shared accomplishments and good times. Whenever we spoke, we would just pick up where we left off, as if time had not elapsed the sign of a strong friendship. Having Michelle in her life was a blessing, and I feel fortunate that Mickey will continue to be part of our family. Ultimately life is like a garden perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. I will miss Jan and will carry our memories together for the rest of my life.
Dave

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

So very sorry to hear this sad news Michelle. You and Jan were great neighbors to my family ( The Bentsens) on Maryland Ave. Im sending my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family.

With sympathy,
Lori Bentsen Hayes

I am saddened by Jans passing. She was one of my teachers at Bayview Avenue School. Later in life, Jan hired me to be a special education teacher assistant. Because of Jan, I found my niche. With her encouragement, I got my teaching certificate. I became a teacher at Bayview Avenue. Jan was a wonderful teacher, a wonderful administrator and an overall wonderful leader. She touched the life of so many. The world is a better place because Janice Wilson was born. Mickey, along with her entire family, are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am sad to hear of the passing of Ms. Wilson, she was my fourth grade teacher 51 years ago at Bayview Ave. She gave me my nickname of Jerry. A beautiful person inside and out, a true educator. She left a lifetime impression on my life and even today I tell Ms. Wilson stories and examples to my family, friends and colleagues. My sister Maria Duran became an educator and worked with her in the Freeport school system. We need more Ms. Wilsons in life and in education. Jan may you rest and peace, God bless you for taking the time to help a young immigrant kid better understand life in America.