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Janice F. Watson

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Munster High School Ball State University

Janice Watson Obituary

JANICE F. WATSON MUNSTER, IN
Janice F. Watson, age 61 of Munster, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 while engaged in one of her passions in life, being of service to senior citizens. Jan is survived by her loving husband of over 39 years, Steve; and sons: David and Dan, both of whom live in California. She will also be missed by her brothers: Tom of Carmel, IN and Larry of Indianapolis, IN; sisters-in-law: Jo Dee, Karen, Betty and Marsha; brothers-in- law: Brent and Rick; nieces: Liz, Amy, Alexa, Amanda, Jenny, Katie and Abby; nephews: Chandler, Ryan, Stacee and Jay; and her other relatives, many friends, fellow teachers and students. Janice was preceded in death by her parents: Leonard and Elaine Grau. Jan was a Ball State University graduate, holding Bachelor Degrees in Education and English, a Masters Degree in English, as well as having completed a post-graduate endorsement in Special Education. She devoted herself to her students at Delta High School (Royerton, IN), Storer Middle School (Muncie, IN), Clark Middle School (Hammond), Munster High School and Gavit High School (Hammond). She also shared her many talents at the Hebrew Academy (Lansing, IL), where she served in numerous capacities. Janice was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Munster and loved the time she spent with the Munster Association of Women and her many friends, neighbors and groups. Janice truly had a servant's heart, and tirelessly focused on the needs of others. She touched people's hearts with her selfless deeds, cooking, sympathetic ear, calligraphy, gardening, artistry, and many acts and words of kindness, while touching their sense of humor with her fun stories and legendary Christmas letters. She was everyone's best friend and helper. Visitation will be Sunday, November 29, 2009 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Avenue, Munster. A memorial service to celebrate Janice's life will also be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 30, 2009 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 8601 Harrison Ave., Munster, IN. Friends are welcome to gather in the church at 9:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Concordia Cemetery, Hammond. The family has requested that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial gifts in Janice Watson's memory to the "Janice Watson Special Education Fund" at any Citizens Financial Bank location.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Janice Watson

Sponsored by Sandhya Gupta Desmond.

53 Entries

Debarshi Das

April 19, 2021

She was a wonderful teacher who brought a lot of refreshments for her students. I miss her and her generosity.

Allen Richards

June 3, 2018

Forever my bigget supporter and the reason why I've come this far in life

Janice's 12th birthday, April, 1960

Mary Humphrey

December 8, 2015

I still miss Janice.

Steve Watson

November 28, 2010

The Janice Watson I Knew and Loved
( by Steve Watson, her husband)

I consider myself to be the luckiest person on earth to have known, to have

married, to have lived with, to have borne children by, and to have loved and been

loved by Janice Faye Watson. Janice modeled and taught us all lessons in living

that are forever important, meaningful, and relevant. Those lessons, which are quite

familiar to all who knew her, encompassed selflessness; compassion for and service

to others....especially the less fortunate and vulnerable; Christian faith, love, service

and forgiveness; originality and creativity; kindness; friendship; joy and happiness;

dignity; self-sacrifice; generosity; cheerfulness; personal responsibility; the im-

portance of laughter, humor, and smiling in life; humility; gentleness; persistence;

family love and responsibility; reverence; tolerance; unconditional love; loyalty;

and devotion.

Whether in the capacity of mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law,

cousin, teacher, friend, calligrapher, gardener, craftsperson, bird-feeder, servant

of God, care-giver, neighbor, colleague, volunteer or helper, or through her dis-

tinctive humor, wit, laughter, and smiling, Janice produced a mighty stream of

electrical energy that flowed through her and from her and touched us all in many

different and fantastic ways.

As a Servant of God, Janice sprayed a large bit of sunshine, joy, happiness,

and love all-around through her countless acts of generosity, kindness, and service

to others and her modeling of passionate, compassionate, and selfless living.

-2-

Our mental picture abounds as to Janice baking items well into the early morning

to take the next day to students, friends, and/or senior citizens; shoveling snow

of senior citizens, invalids, or neighbor in the early morning after staying up

til 3:00 a.m. or later while engaged in lesson planning; making personal mone-

donations anonymously to disadvantaged families or individuals; rushing to

the aid or support of individuals in need of assistance though she barely knew them;

performing random acts of kindness for friends, neighbor, relatives, senior

citizens...just about everyone she could; and her mission trip to Alaska for her

church, St. Paul's Lutheran. Who can ever forget Janice's annual Halloween

trick-or-treat event?

As a wife, Janice was in almost every sense...my “everything.” As my

marital partner, wife, companion, friend, mother of my children and “mother” to

me; Janice constantly picked up after me; cooked me special meals; over-looked

my many shortcomings and flaws; readily forgave me for my biggest

fauxpaus...i.e. breaking the marble top to an antique table that she had just

purchased; reminded me in her own special way whenever she perceived my

actions as being overly-selfish; rarely complained about my absences due

to bridge trips or basketball; never nagged or raised her voice at me...though I

no doubt deserved it on some occasions; jumped in to perform household

duties belonging to me when she deemed that I was too slow or reluctant to

proceed forward (only a few hundred times); managed the household and

-3-

financial affairs; inspired me daily through her work ethic, cheerfulness, laughter,

creativity, humor, smile, selfless acts, and unconditional love; warmed my heart

with deeply caring thoughts and feelings; compensated for my forgetfulness and

lack of thoughtfulness; and through it all, put up with me with no major arguments

or disagreements over our more than 39 years of marriage. Our time together...

though far too short....was filled with joy, love, and happiness.

As a mother, Janice's love of Danny and David revealed itself in countless

ways...whether measured in terms of the time, affection, positive encouragement,

attention, support, guidance, or role modeling given to them. The birthday

parties Janice organized for the two were truly unique and unforgettable, pro-

viding her with a forum to utilize her creative gifts to honor the children. Janice

was forever Danny's and David's personal tutor and teacher, moral compass,

religious guide, disciplinarian, model of personal responsibility and service to

others, caregiver, manager of practical affairs, and creative, humor, and artistic

consultant. Never nagging toward, or overly-critical of Danny or David, Janice

was ...at all times... a most gentle, loving, caring, and supportive mother who

brought peace, comfort, and joy into their lives on a daily basis. Janice's cheer-

fulness, smile, humor, wit, laughter, artistry, and creativity permeated the family

atmosphere...making the home a special place for Danny, David, and me. As

family treasures...who can ever forget Janice's Christmas newsletter and leg

lamp?

-4-

As a daughter and sister in the Grau household, Janice was true-blue loyal

to her mom Elaine, her dad Leonard, and her two brothers...Tom and Larry. From

her mom, Janice borrowed many of her noteworthy qualities: selflessness; Christian

faith, service, love and forgiveness; gentleness; compassion for and service to others;

family love and responsibility; kindness; purposeful living; self-sacrifice and generosity;

along with her penchant for bargain shopping. Her dad passed on to Jan some of his

special loves and interests...bird-feeding, gardening, and collector (old stamps, old

memorabilia, old coins, $2 bills)...and his aversion to wastage. Brothers Tom and

Larry shared Jan's love of humor, with Larry displaying laughter in about the same

frequency as Janice. The Graus were a well-knit family from which Janice drew from

the well of love throughout her life, starting on State St. in Mishawaka, Indiana.

As a friend, Janice was truly one-of-a-kind to each of her many friends,

going the extra mile to make each friend feel special, unique, important, valued,

and trusted. Selfless and loyal to an extreme, Janice was always readily available

upon request to go out of her way to help out a friend, even if her doing so would

create a personal hardship for her (on many occasions). So many of us are reminded

of Janice's totally random, unsolicited acts of kindness. Janice's generosity, loyal

and steadfast support, cheerfulness, perpetual smile, humor and laughter, cleverness,

selflessness, creativity and originality, the willingness to be there for you during

difficult times, thoughtful gifts and remembrances, and caring and gentle nature

define Janice's legacy as a true friend indeed.

-5-

As a teacher, Janice...out of her love for the students she served, concern

for their general welfare, and her professional dedication...went beyond almost

every measurable limit in responding to the quite varying and complex needs

of her students, whether the respective needs be academic, emotional, social,

physical, psychological, or a combination therein. Her toils, efforts, and contribu-

tions on behalf of her students were almost endless, encompassing (inclusive of

evenings, weekends, holidays, and parts of summers) designing, and organizing

original and creative learning games, activities, and contests; preparing custom-

ized lesson plans and adapted to the needs of the learners; calling/meeting with

parents on a regular basis, either at school and/or in their homes; creating as well

as purchasing materials for use in her classroom to support student learning;

visiting students in their homes to provide additional, much needed tutorial

assistance, especially in regards to ISTEP preparation (inclusive of after-school,

evening, and weekends); treating all students with a strong respect and high

regard for their personal dignity; refusing to give up on a student, even under

trying circumstances; providing positive encouragement and reinforcement on

a continual basis to each learner; extending a helping hand or a receptive ear to

any student in need of personal guidance, assistance, or affirmation; and baking

for her students to serve as a token of her love for them rather than as a reward for

student behavior or performance. As a teacher, Janice, your genuine love for your

students combined with your never-ceasing originality, creativity, cheerfulness,

professional dedication, strong work ethic, belief in the potentiality and worth of

-6-

each learner , and desire to please have shown through and distinguished you

as an outstanding educator.

Friends and friendship; Christian love, faith, service, and forgiveness;

angels; movies with happy endings; selfless deeds; the color yellow; number

two; Christmas newsletter; leg lamp; Christmas (decorations, cards, gifts, tree,

observance, and celebrations); Halloween (her tirck-or-treat annual event);

parades; fireworks; originality and creativity; gifting; random acts of kindness;

teaching; self-sacrifice; special education; reading and English; Beiger School;

Mishawaka High School; Delta Middle/High School; Clark Middle/High School;

Munster High School, Gavit High School; Storer Middle School; Hebrew Academy

of Northwest Indiana; strawberry picking; gardening; flowers, and more flowers;

compassion for and service to others; humility; Munster Association Of Women;

Mishawaka; Muncie, Munster, Palmyra, PA, Hershey, PA, smiling; gentleness;

family love and responsibility; humor, wit, and laughter; senior citizens; calli-

graphy; crafts; artistry; popcorn, Mounds candy bar; beaches and sun-bathing;

unbelievable tolerance; bird-feeding; yard work; bargain and discount shopping;

sensitivity for the vulnerable and less fortunate; boundless energy; remembrances

and honoring of the past; Midwest Living magazine; reverence; collections (memor-

abilia, stamps, old coins, keepsakes $2 bills); surprising and amusing others; the

Grau family; the Watson family; the Summers family; volunteerism; St. Paul's Lutheran

Church, St. Peter's Lutheran Church; Oprah Winfrey; American Idol; Dancing with the

Stars; Ball State University; Booster Club; joy and happiness; South Shore Line Art;

-7-

garage sales; Peachtree Lane; Chestnut Lane; State St.; Italy vacation; sewing

club, music (especially Black-Eyed Peas, John Mellencamp, and Lady Gaga);

Town Theater; unconditional love and respect; recipes; generosity; cookie baking;

personal responsibility; Center for the Performing Arts; Dairy Belle; Alaskan Mission;

and loyalty represent qualities and interests which help to define you, Janice,

and provide us with ways to remember you by.

Janice Fay Watson...you were truly an “Angel on Earth.” You were the

best wife, mother, companion, friend, partner, and helper I could ever hope for,

ask for, or want. I am blessed to have been your husband.

Mary Arbogast

November 23, 2010

Jan continues to be an inspiration even though we no longer have her physical presence. Her gentle kindness and loving spirit touched so many people. I am grateful to have been her friend.

November 23, 2010

It is hard to believe that one year has passed since Jan passed away. We were out of town when we heard the very sad news and since then there isn't a week that goes by that her name doesn't come up in a conversation and what a special person she was. The world has lost a very beautiful human being. We felt so lucky to have known her and had her in our lives.

Rabbi Raphael and Cynthia Ostrovsky

Left top: Janice, Carol, bottom left, Cathy, Mary

Mary Humphrey

November 22, 2010

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are all reminded that this is the one-year mark of Janice’s passing. I remember Janice well and can still recall her radiant smile and charming wit. Janice was my best friend in the third grade, and we were constant companions throughout the grade school years. My favorite memory of all, though, was our ice skating adventures on the ice rink at Merrifield Park in Mishawaka. We loved fast, crazy and never stop until way after dark. We warmed ourselves near a barrel of fire and played tag until someone remembered it was time to go home and eat. Janice was the most fun ever. She never gave up, had plenty of energy and was fearless in any situation. When it gets cold this year, and the frost glistens on my window, I’ll be thinking of Janice and her indefatigable love of life. She was a friend of enduring loyalty and compassion, and I am grateful that she left me this treasure in my memory box. Written on the back of her third grade picture in her lovely handwriting are these words:

Met you as a stranger
And now we’re best of friends
I hope we meet in heaven
Where friendship never ends.

Note: If you knew Janice, this is undoubtedly an original poem she wrote at the tender age of 8.

Mary Humphrey

November 22, 2010

Robbie Ervin

November 19, 2010

My friend Jan has been on my mind with Thanksgiving approaching and the one year anniversary of her passing. I am so privileged to have known her. It still does not seem possible that she is really gone.....such a loss for all who knew her. She truly was an angel on earth and is smiling down on all of the wonderful lives that she touched during her short time on earth. Thanks for the memories my dear friend.

Amy (Grau) Stephenson

November 19, 2010

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, it is impossible for me not to think of my beloved Aunt Jan. Since her passing almost one year ago, I still have a hard time believing that she is truly gone. Perhaps that is because I still see so much of her in the lives of my family members and even in my own child, Julia.

While I have so many fond memories of Aunt Jan, I would like to share a story that is both beautiful and inspiring...

The day before Aunt Janice passed away, I was already preparing to visit home for Thanksgiving, greatly excited about the opportunity to introduce my then 4-month-old to her Great Aunt Janice. As I was in great haste, I had little time to check the emails that Aunt Janice had sent to me over the past couple of weeks. (Note: We shared emails when I started teaching. It was great comic relief most of the time.) I carried on with my packing, wondering if 40 diapers would be enough to last me a couple of days with Julia. Of course, none of that seemed to matter when my mother called me to tell me that Aunt Janice passed away.

After we returned to Omaha, I was emotionally and physically exhausted. It took me a long time to get over the feeling of abandonment that many people experience when they live far away from their loved ones. Probably one week after we returned, I began to read the emails that Aunt Janice sent to me. Slowly, I opened each one as a fragile and cherished present. Most of them were funny (which I needed), but then there was one that truly stood out to me. It was entitled, "Seasons of Life."

This particular email was a Power Point slide show about a man who had four sons. He wanted to teach them about the power of open mindedness so he asks them to visit a pear tree. Each son visits this tree during a different season and the outcome is that they all have contrasting perceptions of the tree. The father then explains that a tree or person cannot be judged by one period in life. Instead, the essence of who they are can only be measured when all of the seasons in life come to an end.

Upon finishing that Power Point, I smiled knowing that my Aunt Janice had lived her life with the knowledge and wisdom of that father. She was passionate, tirelessly selfless, and wonderfully humorous towards all of us. I will miss her laugh, her funny anecdotes and her happy disposition this Thanksgiving. I am saddened to know that Julia will never get to personally know Janice. However, in a truly beautiful way, Aunt Janice, ever the teacher, has left me with the challenge to live a life like the father...like her. Perhaps as I strive to live this way, Julia will catch a glimpse of Aunt Jan in me.

Rich & Barb Giba

November 2, 2010

Today is the Feast of All Souls on this day we remember our loved ones who have been called to the Lord. Jan you are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a good and kind friend and neighbor. We live down the street from the Watson home and pass their house daily only to remember the many times we would stop to talk to her about what was going on with both our families. We miss those conversations. Our loss is heaven's gain.

Mary Arbogast

October 30, 2010

One year ago today Jan, Steve, and I met at the Muncie Pizza King. It was the last time I was blessed to be with Jan. As always, being with her was delightful. I miss seeing you, Jan, but treasured memories of you are always with me. I plan to be at the Pizza King every October 30 to relive a very special evening!

Chris Shearman

October 26, 2010

J - Just a joy
A - Always helping someone
N - Never without a warm smile
I - Inspiration to all
C - Clever, compassionate, creative
E - Exceptional friend

F - Forever in my heart

W - Witty
A - Always going somewhere to do
something
T - Terrific teacher
S - Sincere
O - Our angel on earth
N - Never to be forgotten

Kyle Kutlik

October 24, 2010

It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year. Mrs. Watson has been a part of my life since an early age when Dave and I where in preschool together. I really got to know her the best during my years in high school. I had a couple of classes with her, and that is when a friendship was born. From the days in high school up until her passing she was always there with encouraging words, and advice. We shared a lot of laugh’s, and crazy brainstorms. When I was really looking for a serious answer/advice to something I knew who to talk to; Mrs. Watson, like a second mom. Mrs. Watson was truly a one of a kind, there are not many people that will sacrifice there time to help others like she did. Her memory will live on forever. God took one of the very best.

Nancy Kintner

September 11, 2010

Who would've thought Jan would be taken from us so soon? We've been neighbors to the Watson's for 30 years; we always said that if we ever moved, we'd have to buy the house next door for the Watsons because we would miss them too much! We really enjoyed Jan--her beautiful blue eyes would start to twinkle and we knew we were going to hear a good story, usually about Steve! She was so clever and so witty, and we so loved to laugh with Jan!

Bob and I used to comment that no matter how early we got up...Jan was always up and out before us. We didn't think that she ever slept! She was always going somewhere to help someone do something. Only once did I see Jan sitting in the backyard doing absolutely nothing, which was very rare...usually she'd be doing calligraphy, feeding wildlife, gardening, something! I yelled over, "Are you feeling OK?" She just laughed.

Jan was truly an inspiration to everyone; somehow she made everyone feel special. She took care of everyone; she was everyone's "second Mom".

Jan lived an exemplary life. She loved life, she loved people, and she especially loved helping. We can all learn how to treat people by following Jan's example. She was so special, and we miss her terribly. We're so glad that she was a big part of our lives, and we were so blessed to have known her. Jan truly was a "once in a lifetime " kind of person. She will continue to live on...in our memories... and in our hearts...forever.

Maureen Nierengarten

June 22, 2010

Steve,

It seems like I just was talking to Jan the other day about some calligraphy I wanted her to do. We were chatting about all the boys and what they were up to now. I think of her warm smile and loving nature often. She is truly missed in Munster by all the friends she made. God must have needed our very best angel when he called her to Heaven!

Fondly,
Maureen

Sue Gray

April 1, 2010

A Poem For Jan

Today is your birthday and we'll stop for awhile. To remember your friendship and your beautiful smile.

You left us so quickly that we never said good-bye. You left us with heavy hearts and many questioned, "Why?"

Although your time with us is over, you are never far away. For your kind and gentle spirit lives on with us each day.

Every time we think of you, it brings us joy and a smile. And many happy memories that linger for awhile.

We first met you at HANI where you were truly the "Jack of All Trades." You were the secretary, the counselor and the nurse who dispersed the meds and band-aides.

You bustled about the office with never a moment to waste. And you treated us to homemade treats that couldn't be topped for taste.

As we left our jobs at HANI our friendships continued to grow. We met for monthly suppers, and you always took time to go.

We talked about life, friends, family and such. And we were always awed at how you accomplished so much.

Teaching, calligraphy and tutoring, too. Helping others and traveling were favorites for you.

Your purse was always full of "things" as your calendar was too. We were always so amazed at "everything" you would do.

Your wonderful command of English with your gift of wit so dear, made the arrival of your holiday card a fun time read each year.

You will always be remembered for your countless deeds and grace. And your wonderful life example made this world a better place.

Happy Birthday, Jan. You are surely an angel above. And those of us who knew you are sending all our love.

--Your Friend, Sue Gray

Mari Patton

February 15, 2010

Jan was my neighbor and good friend while we attended college at BSU. We had a group that played cards and shared meals. Jan had the best recipes that I still have in my box with her beautiful handwriting. As time passed we all went seperate ways. Jan still would visit me and keep in touch. She was so caring, fun and great person. I always looked forward to her Christmas letter. I wondered why I had not gotten one and then I recieved the notification of her passing. I am so sad. Mari Patton- Muncie, IN

Dulari Dave

February 6, 2010

I knew Mrs. Watson since when she was teaching me at Munster High School. She was my teacher for 4 years. She was very helpful to everyone. She made the class very fun. I knew that if I needed help with anything that she would help me out. She was one my favorite teachers.

February 6, 2010

Jan and I knew each other in Muncie IN. After graduating from Ball State we were neighbors on Reserve Street. It was so much fun to have Jan and Steve as neighbors. Over the years Jan and I would meet in Muncie and go to our favorite "Muncie" spots --- the Ball State Bookstore, Concannon's Bakery and the apple orchard. She will live in my heart forever! --- Robbie Ervin (Indianapolis IN)

mary herald

January 26, 2010

i knew mrs.watson from her teaching me in high school. she taught me for three years and i will never forget the fun times we had in that class. she was the person who was there for me when times where bad at school and she would help me through them i will never ever forget what she helped me accomlish in my life and taught me to love reading and how to better myself in learning about english skills i had and another reason i want to become a special education teacher.

Sandhya Desmond

December 31, 2009

Dear Mr. Watson,

As you know, Mrs. Watson and I had a very special relationship of twenty-four years. When I learned of her passing, I spoke with you the day before the services, so feeing like I needed to be there with you, family and friends. In my absence, I sent along a poem that I wrote commemorating our friendship, which was lovingly read by Dave following the funeral services...

It brought tears to my eyes when you called last week asking me to share the poem that I had written in Mrs. Watson's memory in a message on her Legacy page. It is an honor and privilege to share the poem as it was read here...

----------------

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Janice Watson, my Dear Friend...

Our Friendship began on the Merry-go-round, years ago at Bluebird Park,
With Danny's laughter, then David’s smiles, alongside Sherlock's bark.
Memories of Birthdays, the “Christmas Story” lamp, you were the cutest Big Bird ever,
Looking forward to the holiday ‘Watsons-in-Review’ letter, you were Always so Clever!

You taught me to fold a diaper, curl package ribbons, and to write in calligraphy,
I so enjoyed our tandem Bike rides, endless Laughs, and Chats of plenty.
Your Care packages to remind me of Home, but what really made my face Glow...
Was driving back into Munster, and looking over, to see the Light in your front Window.

From Babysitter to the Best of Friends, over the years our Relationship grew,
We have a very Special bond, and I have always thought the world of You.
Graduations, marriage, and blessing our children, you shared in every family occasion,
For no touching moment would be as special without your presence at the celebration.

So, over twenty-four years of Friendship, with miles between us and months passed,
When together, it would be as though it was only yesterday since we visited last.
Now, as You Continue your Service with Him, and it may seem we are further apart,
I know that You will Always be Close to me, deep within my Heart.

--------

I love you and will very much miss you, Mrs. Watson. I know that you are looking upon us and wish for us not to have tears of sadness, but rather share in the celebration of your joyful life.

I will always remember you for your contagious laughter, your beautiful smile, your generosity and helpfulness to others, your friendship and passion for life, your many talents, for being you...

With fond memories and much love,
Sandhya
----------------

Steve Shank

December 22, 2009

Two nights ago I spontaneously decided to Google names of people I knew at Beiger School. I'd never made such a search, and by some coincidental rhythm in the universe, I quickly found this page.

I remember Janice as a kind, smart, compassionate, even-tempered girl with a ready smile. I last saw Janice in 1996 at our high school reunion. She recalled that she was jealous of those of us who attended the First Presbyterian Church, because most of our teachers were members there. (Janice attended the First Methodist Church, a block away.}I recall telling her that she may be the first person to have ever envied Presbyterians, but she apparently had overcome all of that, because she had become a Lutheran. (I had become a taoist/zen-influenced Unitarian-Universalist, so I had Really moved away from John Calvin.)

I also remember that she wept silently when she read in our program that a fellow classmate had died, and I feel something similar as I remember her today.

To her family and friends in her community, you have my sympathy and best wishes. It sounds like she will continue to live in the hearts of many she has touched.

December 3, 2009

We just found out about Janice this morning and only know her as the very charming woman who set up games @ her front yard for our child and many others to enjoy during Halloween trick-or-treating. Very sad news and our deepest condolences to her husband and family. VanMatre's, Munster, IN

Catherine Metsch

December 1, 2009

To the Watson & Grau families,
I have many sweet memories of growing up with Janice in Mishawaka. We were part of a close group of friends - sharing our lives, beliefs and dreams while walking home from school, taking the bus to the South Bend Y, going to Camp Kiloqua, exploring the town on bicycles and playing at each others' homes. She made that time of my life very special. You have my sympathy in your loss.
Catherine Metsch

Mary Humphrey

December 1, 2009

Dear Family of Janice,
Janice was my best friend in elementary school. I am very sad to hear this as I had hoped one day to return to Mishawaka for a reunion and once again see her. Reading the obit, it is no surprise to me that she was so completely generous with her gifts of teaching and compassion for others. I have never met her family (husband and sons) but I share in your grief the fact that she will be greatly missed.
Mary (Knox) Humphrey
Skaneateles, NY

Pam Deal

November 30, 2009

I knew Jan from HANI. Whenever I ran into her, it was as if we were the best of frieds. She really made everyone happy.

I was so sorry to hear of her passing. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Michael Howards

November 30, 2009

Steve, I tried to see you Sunday but there was such a throng at visitation I couldn't get in. There are no words and nothing of this sort makes much sense to me. Hopefully you can be strong and carry on. I read the online obituary and was overwhelmed by the goodness told of in her life's story.
From Mike Howards

Cindy (VanDe Walle) Kertes

November 30, 2009

Janice and I went all thru Beiger School together for 8 years and for 4 years at Mishawaka High School and we graduated in 1966. We were in blue birds, camp fire, and so many fun things. Janice was a dear friend and never had a bad word to say about anyone. In later years I was only able to see her at our reunions. But she was the same friend from years ago.
My sympathy goes out to all her family.

Veronica Calhoun-Williams

November 30, 2009

Dr. Watson,

I am truely sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God bless you and keep you in this time of need.

Veronica Calhoun-Williams

Molly Govert-Nykiel

November 30, 2009

Dear Steve, Dan and Dave, I want to express my most heartfelt wishes of sympathy. I can still see Jan sitting on the bleachers at MHS, checking out with groceries from Jewel and strolling about on her daily contitutionals. I always enjoyed her warm smile and sincere greetings. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. The Nykiels,
Ron, Molly, Matt, Brad and Ali

jamar sims

November 30, 2009

she was an awesome teacher i am going to miss her

Jessica (Stern) Kish

November 30, 2009

Dear the family of Mrs. Watson-

Mrs. Watson was in my life for nearly 8 years as a child. I was a student at HANI and as someone else wrote, she really was the glue that held the place together. All of my childhood memories include her. She was kind and loving and treated all of the kids at HANI as though we were hers.

While I graduated over 20 years ago, I have had the great pleasure of running into her many times. She continued to be a shining light whenever I saw her. Always ready for a great big hug and showed the same love for my kids that she did for me when I was young.

I will always remember Mrs. Watson with fond memories.

Amanda Deal

November 30, 2009

Mrs.Watson was a very special woman,she will be missed.my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

November 30, 2009

Steve and sons,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Coral Penzato (former Gavit faculty member)

Connie Romano

November 30, 2009

I only got to know Jan this schol year and yet I miss her sorely. She was always giving of herself and making all of us feel happy. Her smile was infectious and her generousity constant. I feel honored to say I knew her.

Becky Sons

November 29, 2009

I can not express how sad I am about what happen to Mrs.Watson. I had her for 4 years for a teacher at Munster High School. She has always been there when you needed someone to talk to. She was a very giving person. I am really going to miss her. She was the best teacher that Munster High School had. Mr. Watson and Boys I am so sorry to hear what has happen to her. I will always remember she knows how to make you happy and make you laugh. I will miss you Mrs. Watson...You will always be in my thoughts.

Jane Hall

November 29, 2009

Words cannot express how sad we all are at Gavit High School to know that Jan will no longer be with us to share her presence, her thoughts, her recipes, and all the cookies and cakes which she baked and treated us so often during lunch. We will miss her greatly. It was a pleasure having known her even for just a short time. She will always be remembered.

Mike O'Connor

November 29, 2009

Steve & Boys: I have very fond memories of working with Jan as she always tried her best to assist her students at MHS. Her positive influence on hundreds on kids will bear fruit for many years to come. God blessed us with her presence and we are forever thankful.

November 29, 2009

We are so saddened by Jan's sudden passing. She was a wonderful example to the world with helping others all the time, being a wonderful wife and mother and good friend. We will miss her always.

Rabbi Raphael & Cynthia Ostrovsky Munster, Indiana

Bob & Karen Markovich

November 28, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Angie Schmal

November 28, 2009

Steve, Dan & David,
I am so saddened to hear of Jan's passing. You don't know me, but I was Jan's hair stylist. I always looked forward to our conversations and laughter. Her laugh was so contagious, it was wonderful! She always had kind words to say and had a wonderful loving personality. I will truly miss doing her hair! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Karen Alexander

November 28, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Watson Family. Jan and I worked together for many years at the Hebrew Academy. She was the glue that kept that place running. Jan was an amzing person and a wonderful friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless

November 28, 2009

Steve, Dan & David,

Our deepest sympathy to you all! Jan was a beautiful and loving person! Everyone who knew her will miss her!

Bill and Cathy Harris

Paul & Angie Dobin

November 28, 2009

Steve and boys, We are so saddened by Jan's passing and will truely miss the exceptional friend and neighbor she has always been to us. From sharing the latest family 'mis'adventures to the joy of Steve learning how to run the lawnmower, we will miss our day to day chats on the sidewalk and the sunny smile she always wore. We will always admire her for all she did for others whether it was shoveling, volunteering or teaching, and the difference she has made to so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your neighbors, Paul and Angie

Karen Robison

November 28, 2009

Steve,
My sincerst condolences to you and your family.

Robbie Ervin

November 28, 2009

Steve,

My thoughts are with you and your family. Jan will live in our hearts forever. Her generous and caring spirit will live in all who had the privilege of knowing her. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Blessings -
Robbie & Curt Ervin

Strick Family

November 28, 2009

Steve, David & Dan,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Jan's passing. We loved her very much and we couldn't have had a better neighbor. She will be missed and loved.

November 28, 2009

Steve, Dan and David -
Jan was an exceptional woman who always put herself second to everyone. We always felt honored that she called us her friend. Our sympathies to you and memory eternal. Mike, Jan, Michael, Danella and Joe Jaksich

Sandhya Gupta Desmond

November 28, 2009

Dearest Mr. Watson, Dan, and David,

Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of our most precious and wonderful friend. Mrs. Watson's kind words, gifts of artistic talent, always smiling face, and contagious laugh will live on in our hearts and within our thoughts.

May you find peace in knowing that your family and friends are praying for you and love you. She will forever be remembered, even as she continues to serve Him.

Much love,
Sandhya and Eric Desmond

Don Parker

November 28, 2009

Steve -
My thoughts and prayers will always be with you.

Mary Arbogast

November 28, 2009

I just read the obituary--what a beautiful tribute to this extraordinary life. Anyone who had the good fortune to know Jan is a better person because of her friendship. That friendship is one of my greatest treasures. My sympathy to her family and to the world for our loss. I'm sure she is as busy as ever in her heavenly home preparing her Christmas letter and lifting the spirits of every single soul.

November 28, 2009

Steve, David, and Dan
So sorry to hear about Jan. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Diana Baker, MAW member who moved away a few years ago

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