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Jan Ferrell Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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Deborah Vattiato
January 30, 2009
When I was a young girl, Aunt Jan left her cat "Missy" with my Mom, Ferne Lemons, while she was getting settled into her apartment in NYC. Oh what a movie star Aunt Jan was in my eyes!
After spending a few days in our home, Missy disappeared. My Mom was so very upset because Missy was Aunt Jan's "baby". She hunted and hunted for Missy, to no avail.
After nearly 3 weeks Aunt Jan returned to pick Missy up and my Mom had to break the news that Missy must have gotten out of the house and gotten lost.
Aunt Jan reassured my Mom that she shouldn't worry, she was sure Missy would not have gone off. She called out "Missy", "Missy" a few times and suddenly a faint "meow" was heard! Missy was hiding in the walls of the basement. She came out to her "mama" and all was well!
How I love to tell this story!
So now, you are all together in a beautiful place. Rest peacefully.
With Love -
Your Great Niece,
Debbie (Micale) Vattiato
Norma Snyder
November 9, 2008
Dear Emm Dee,
Oh, how much I will miss you! Holidays will never be the same, especially, Christmas. It was so much fun to search for a unique gift, and make you cookies and peanut butter fudge.
There are so many memories I would have to write a book, a long book! But, I will mention a couple.
One summer when I was fifteen, and you were in your early twenties, we would get ready every evening and head for the Red Devil Inn in downtown Russell. You, Berta and I, would play the jukebox and dance. I still remember No. 1 on the Hit Parade was "Long Ago and Far Away". What fun we had that summer!
I remember when you and Danny were out to the farm one summer and we would have bird funerals. You would sing "Twilight on the Trail" and Danny and I would cry. I could go on and on.
Sleep peacefully, my sweet Aunt, until someday I will see you again. With a heartful of love,
Your niece,
Norma Snyder
Janet Smith
November 6, 2008
Dear Aunt Mahvellous!
Well, the Jan club is down by one. You may have left this world, but I'm sure you're running whichever one you are in now. I know that you're having a ball singing with Ray Charles (hope you took your shades, gal). Say hey to Ray Ray for me. You were the example for at least two generations on how to live life to its fullest. From knowing you, I know how to go 100 mph in 30 different directions - simultaneously, and have the time of my life doing it. I am looking at a picture of us together this past February when I was so blessed to be able to visit with you. Singing "Hit the Road Jack!" with you was the highlight of my trip. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get back before you moved on. You touched so many lives during your short stay on Earth, and I consider myself so fortunate to have been one of them. To find another woman as "looney tunes" as myself, was a blessing indeed! Know that I love you and think of you every day and will miss you sorely. Not sure I'm going to end up where you are, but if I do, get the Margaritas ready! Air kiss, air kiss. Jan-et (Charter member of the Jan Club)
Janna Sakowitz
November 6, 2008
Aunt Jan: I have had the privilege of your life and mine intertwined for more than 15 years. You have had such an interesting life in acting, studying all sorts of issues, enjoying so many aspects of life from movies to parties to entertaining. Your variety of life from conservative to eccentric was a sight to see. I truly believe you were the first independent woman I ever knew. You did it your way, all the way! I love you so much and I will never forget the time you told me that I had become Jan #1. For years, you had signed your cards to me, Jan #1 and I signed mine Jan #2, but when you became elderly, you switched that up and you took the second position. You will always be #1 in my heart. God Bless You forever.
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KATHLEEN BENNETT
November 1, 2008
AUNT JAN
END OF AN ERA FOR ME AS YOU WERE MY LAST LIVING AUNT.
I HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF YOU. THE ONE I REMEMBER MOST IS AT CHRISTMAS WHEN THE SNOW WOULD COME AND WE WOULD ALWAYS WALK ALL OVER RUSSELL AND MAKE THE FIRST TRACKS IN THE SNOW AND THEN GO TO GRANDMA FERRELL'S HOUSE AND DRINK HOT CHOCOLATE. YOU SURE HAD AN EXCITING LIFE AND WHEN I WOULD BE WITH YOU I WOULD SIT IN AWE AND LISTEN TO YOUR STORIES. I REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE ON THE SHOW BOAT FLOATING UP THE OHIO RIVER. MOM AND DAD TOOK ME AND YOU WERE GREAT! SO LONG AUNT MARION DEAN. WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN I WILL RECONIZE YOU RIGHT AWAY AS I KNOW YOU WILL HAVE SOME BUNNY EARS OR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND I WILL SPOT YOU RIGHT AWAY.
LOVE,
YOUR NEICE
KATHLEEN FERRELL BENNETT
Doug Sakowitz
October 30, 2008
To Aunt Jan - -
Never will you be forgotten - - NEVER. You touched everyone you met with your excitement for life. From our weekly Monday night football wagers to joining you in a rendition of Hard Hearted Hanna - - to remembering the Christmas lights in your hair during the Holiday Season - - fond memories of you will always keep us all smiling. I'm positive you will soon have everyone you meet up in Heaven laughing.
We all miss you already - - - knowing you are in a much better place is our only comfort.
Aunt Jan and Me! My Soul Mate
October 29, 2008
Kathy Sakowitz
October 29, 2008
To My Soul Mate-
I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet to have had the wondrous opportunity to be such a big part of your life! I couldn't begin to list the numerous ways that you have touched my life but you did touch my life every second I was with you. Through laughter and tears we have shared many great moments. I promise to carry on your eccentric traditions such as blowing the whistle at ANY get-together and shouting, "Everybody skate backwards!"
I will miss you so very much.
Musically Yours-
Your Soul Mate,
Kathleen (Froglett)
"I will sing at the drop of a hat,,, even if I have to throw it down myself!!!" -Aunt Jan
Anne (Annette) Winkler
October 26, 2008
Strawberry,
I will think of you always and miss you greatly! Your stories and life were truly something to write about, They will be in my heart and memories forever. I will also cherish the times we had together.
Your Great Neice,
Anne (Annette) Winkler
Jane Kimble
October 25, 2008
Aunt Strawberry, I will really miss you. You are the last of your generation. I still remember your pink dress with your hair dyed pink to match. You always had flair. Rest in peace. Your niece, Jane.
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