Janis Mitchell

Janis Rae Mitchell

Our beloved friend Janis passed away on January 17, 2014, at her home in San Francisco. Janis was a highly contradictory and unique person with a big heart. She lived life as though on a journey to Ithaka (Cavafy). In many ways, she was a complex, living paradox. It has been said that she was an acquired taste, although, many who acquired that taste came to adore her without end.
Her loss is a devastating tragedy and she is deeply mourned by all who knew her. She was a highly intelligent and curious woman who travelled the world and became an avid reader and lover of music. As an adult, Janis was a published freelance writer and worked as a high school teacher for many years. As a teacher, she helped inspire and shape the lives of many young people who may not have survived adolescence without her guidance. Fortunately, many of her students live on in the spirit of her influence bestowed upon them. After retiring from teaching, she dedicated herself to the care of her ill mother. She spent her leisure time as a devout friend of survivors of the Holocaust and participated in many Jewish anti-defamation activities. She personally worked with and financially contributed to organizations that promote the health and welfare of animals. Among her wide-range of talents, Janis was a wonderful storyteller and had many faithful, loving friends in the U.S., the U.K., France, and elsewhere.
Janis is survived by many loving close friends from around the world as well as her brother and his wife. She continues to be profoundly missed, without end.