Janet May Ackerley

Janet Ackerley of Fort Salonga, NY passed away surrounded by her family, on Saturday, December 6, just two days shy of her 80th birthday. Born on December 8, 1945 in Omaha Nebraska, to Ron and Mary Beth (Deatz) Ackerley, she grew up in Tarrytown, New York, and later made Westchester County her home, where she raised two children born to her and Chester Olszewski. She first met her beloved partner, Anthony DeLorenzo, in Elmsford, NY in the 1960s. What began as a close friendship grew steadily over the decades into a profound and enduring love, until 1991 when she moved to Fort Salonga to begin the next chapter of her life with him.

A woman of sharp intellect and keen curiosity, Janet had a passion for genealogy and proudly traced her family’s history back to the Van Tassel family of the 1600s. She was a gifted cook and baker, creating dishes and desserts that became family traditions. Her creativity extended beyond the kitchen- she was an avid crafter who could master any skill she set her mind to- sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, and ceramics among them. Whatever she made, she infused it with love. With the same creativity she brought to crafting and baking, she nurtured plants, her garden, and rose bushes into a vibrant landscape, proving she could make anything grow. She vacationed in Maine and Montauk, with deep appreciation for nature and its quiet beauty.

Above all, she devoted her life to her family and her beloved partner. A loving matriarch, she raised her two children and became a second mother to her five cherished grandchildren. Affectionately known as “GaGa,” a name first spoken by her eldest granddaughter and joyfully embraced by all, she carried the title proudly- emblazoned on her ILuvGaGa license plate, which delighted passing Lady GaGa fans who took photos of the license plate. Her beloved partner Anthony DeLorenzo became just as adored, earning the name “Pa” from the grandchildren, making “GaGa and Pa” an inseparable duo at the heart of the family. She treasured “girls’ trips,” reveled in celebrating her grandchildren’s milestones, and particularly adored birthdays and Christmas, which she made magical every year.

She is survived by her beloved partner, Anthony DeLorenzo of Fort Salonga, her brother Robert Ackerley of Virginia, her son, Ronald Olszewski (Laura) of Thornwood, NY, her daughter Mary Beth Augustine (Tim) of Thornwood, NY and her precious grandchildren Brynne Augustine, Rhiannon Augustine, Thomas Olszewski, Edward Olszewski and Jane Olszewski.

Her love, intelligence, humor, and generosity will remain forever woven into the lives of those she cherished most.

To honor her love for children and family, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.