Janice Z. Faulkner

Janice Z. Faulkner, 86 (Gram) passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family and dedicated caregivers, on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Janice was born on October 6, 1939, at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital to the late James and Carol Ayers Herrick. After graduating from Canajoharie High School, she went on to attend Geneseo College.

In June 1958, Janice married Ray John Zemken, and together they welcomed their son, Ray, in May 1959. Janice became a widow on February 19, 1972. She later married Peter Faulkner on October 19, 1974. Peter predeceased her on December 8, 2007.

Janice is survived by her son, Ray Zemken (Shauna) of Sprakers, NY; her beloved granddaughter, Jessica Friesen (Stewart), and their son, Parker Friesen, of Sprakers, NY. She is also survived by her sister, Rosalind Carron of Northville, NY.

She was predeceased by her twin brother, James Herrick, and her sister, Rebecca Price.

A lifelong caregiver in every sense of the word, Janice devoted both her professional and personal life to serving others. She worked as a respiratory therapist at Cobleskill Hospital for 35 years and often held a second job, caring for patients in doctors’ offices or through private duty work in their homes.

Janice’s passions were many—foremost among them, her family, her faith, and her community. She was a proud and active member of her Daughters of the American Revolution chapter and the Rural Grove Fire Department each for over 60 years . She also found immense joy in the friendships and memories made over more than 65 years of attending local dirt tracks. Her seat in the covered grandstand behind the flagger at Fonda Speedway was where she could be found every Saturday night.Her racetrack friendships were near and dear to her heart.

Whether she was running the vacuum or running her mouth, or showing off pictures (which she loved), Janice did everything with heart, humor, and high speed.

She was always in motion—helping, talking, and doing for others. Never one to say no, her plate was forever full, and she was rarely on time. Gram lived “wide open and on the gas.” After burning out two clutches in her must-have standard transmission cars in less than a month, she finally agreed to drive an automatic—but not without a fight.

Her love, energy, and selfless care will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Reformed Church of Currytown, 829 State Rt. 162, Sprakers. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the church prior to the service.

Interment will be at Maple Avenue Cemetery, Fultonville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janice’s memory to an organization near and dear to her heart: Aim Autism 421 East Route 59 Nanuet, NY 10954 or a charity of your choice in her name.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.rileymortuary.com