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Janet Nedeau Obituary
Janet was born in Port Chester, New York, on May 3, 1953, to Willis Joseph Fryer and Mary Helen Weigel, and was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. She graduated from Greenwich High School in 1971, before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and then London, England, for art school, where she attended the Wimbledon College of Arts. While in London, she worked as a cook for the renowned furniture and fabric designers, Robin and Lucienne Day, and lived next door to Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.
After art school, she moved back to San Francisco where she met her husband Christopher Nedeau while serving as a juror for a case that he was trying as an Assistant District Attorney. Christopher and Janet were married on May 17, 1983. Janet walked down the aisle to Chariots of Fire in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame where Christopher attended undergraduate and law school. They settled in the Haight-Ashbury of San Francisco where they raised three children.
After beginning her career showing her artwork at local galleries and hotels, and working as an art teacher at Notre Dame High School, Janet went to get her master's degree in teaching with a certification in special education from St. Mary's College of California. She taught for 25 years in the San Francisco Unified School District, teaching life skills for students with disabilities. During the 2009-2010 school year, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the San Francisco Mayor's Office.
Janet's starring role was as mother to her three children, Jennifer, Paul, and Peter. She participated in the elementary school at Notre Dame des Victoires, and served on clubs and committees. She also was on the parent council of Boy Scout Troop 14, and volunteered at the Richmond Yacht Club and the White Lake Yacht Club, where the children took sailing and swimming lessons in the summers.
During the pandemic, Janet moved to a cottage in the Sylvan Dunes at Whitehall, Michigan. She cherished her summers on White Lake watching her grandsons and two Bernese Mountain Dogs.
She returned to San Francisco in the winters, where she continued to show her art at the San Francisco Women's Artists Gallery and spend time with long-time friends that were family.
She is survived by: her husband, Christopher Alan Nedeau; her children, Jennifer Helm (Austin), Paul Nedeau (Lauren), and Peter Nedeau (Adlon); grandchildren, Patrick and Theodore Helm, and Charlie Nedeau; sister, Patricia Dwyer (Edward).
She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Fryer. Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling St, Montague, MI 49437, with Father Peter Omogo presiding.
Visitation will be held from 5 - 7 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, 413 South Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life in San Francisco, in November. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the San Francisco Women's Artist Gallery (https://www.sfwomenartists.org) or the Arts Council of White Lake (https://www.artswhitelake.org). Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Nedeau
Sponsored by Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - White Lake Chapel.
Michael Catalano
October 29, 2024
Janet was a childhood friend who lived around the corner from me very close to Byram school. Even now I think of her as I drive past her old house on the corner. Facebook allowed us to reconnect and reminisce about the old days. She was a kind and thoughtful person who will be missed. My condolences to her family and other friends.. Mike Cat
Mary and David Gardner
October 25, 2024
Dave and I met Janet back in 1981 at 20X20, a photography collective. We would see her and sometimes Chris, occasionally after that. Janet was a great artist. We visited some of the San Francisco Women Artist Gallery shows and would run into her there. In 2020, I began attending an exercise class and met her once again. I got to meet their Burmese dogs and we went out to lunch once in a while. Janet was full of life and had so many interests. We will miss her.
Barb Wikander
October 25, 2024
We were pool buddies and loved hanging out afterward for a glass, (or two) of vino w her fur baby Nash. Will miss her, and so sorry for all who cared and loved her, as she will be greatly missed.
Lori Wider
October 24, 2024
Dear Nedeau family,
With our deepest condolences on the loss of Janet, a wonderful vibrant wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. Janet lived a rich and full life and touch many during her years here in San Francisco. May your memories keep her close, always.
Lori Wider (Mangan) and Greg Mangan
Lani Tam
October 23, 2024
Dear Chris, Jennifer, Paul, Peter and families,
Our deepest condolences. Sending healing prayers and comfort during this time.
Lani, Kelvin, Kevin, Calvin and Kimi
Nancy Stretch
October 23, 2024
Chris, Devastating news. We are heartbroken for you, Jen, Paul and Peter. She was a loving friend, a bright light, and will be missed. Our thoughts and love are with you all. Nancy and Joe Stretch
Fernando Duque
October 23, 2024
Our dearest sympathy and condolences to Janet's family and friends. I've had the privilege to have met Janet during her wonderful times in London in the 70's we were best of friends, she was learning, studying, working and enjoying life, like it should be, going to Elton John & Rolling Stone concerts, museums, galleries, etc. We never forget when she invited me to her house garden terrace to enjoy the view of her nextdoor neighbors Mick Jagger and wife having a garden party. We laughed so much while sipping custom English tea. When she returned to USA, settled in San Francisco and I did in Long Beach CA, we kept as always our good friendship, I went to her wedding, later she visited us a few times, met with my wife Rosalina and came with
Jennifer and play with Melissa our little girl of the same age also visited her son Peter while studying in OC, then when she came to Dowtown LA Museam of Neon Lights to open an exhibit of her superb work. So many great memories that we are keeping in our hearts and souls forever. Thank you Janet, we love you.
Mary Boyd
October 23, 2024
Deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family Chris. It's hard to lose someone who gave you so much to remember. May your memories help during this difficult time.
Mary and Kurt Boyd
San Francisco <br /> Biblio Babes
JoAnn Vail
October 22, 2024
Dear Nedeau Family,
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Janet's death. She was a member of our book club, The Biblio Babes. She was an avid reader, photographer and a wonderful host during Christmas get togethers. In her last email to us, she recommended we read Table for Two by Amor Towles, which we will do to honor her memory. The tears will however blur the pages.
Keep kind and loving memories close to your hearts.
Our Deepest Sympathies,
JoAnn, Irene, Barbara, Curry, Terry, Babs, Sheldon &
Leslie
Lee Dickinson
October 22, 2024
Chris, we both have such fond memories of you when you were our student at North Muskegon High School. We are so sorry for your loss of such a dynamic spouse. May the Lord comfort you and your family as you go through the grieving process.
Jerry & Lee Dickinson
Richard Miller
October 21, 2024
Dear Christopher, Jennifer, Peter and Paul.
It is with profound sadness that Debi and I send our deepest condolences to you on the passing of Janet. It is never the right time. She will live in our hearts as a part of our family. We were fortunate to have had her in our lives. She was truly a “Woman of Valor”
Love,
Richard Miller
Jeff Bova
October 21, 2024
Dear Chris, Jen, Peter, and Paul,
Janet and I go back to high school, where we were part of the art and music group, bonded by our shared passion for all things creative. Over the years, we stayed connected, exchanging stories of our professional creative journeys. I have fond memories of our time together at the West Coast class reunion, which Janet helped organize, and I’ll always remember the warm hospitality she extended at your home. What stands out most to me is the love and warmth of your beautiful family. I wish Janet peace and blessings wherever her spirit may journey next.
Naomi and Doug Caspe/Kipping
October 21, 2024
Chris, Peter, Jen, and Paul,
How we hold you all in our hearts at this time as her passing leaves such a big grief. We were so very blessed and honored to know this family and be able to watch as all the children grew to be successful adults.
Janet was remarkable at making everyone in her circle feel like family and she was so generous at making us feel welcome and cared for. We have the cherished memories of the Christmas gatherings, Easter, art openings , weddings, and all the joys of learning how you all met the challenges with work and health and life .
She will continue to watch over her grandchildren and family and be a guardian angel for all of you. May you all find comfort and peace during this most difficult life journey. There will never be such a dear friend in our life as Janet. Naomi and Doug
John Cooper
October 21, 2024
Chris, so sad to read about Janet's demise. She was such a fun and vibrant person. When we pulled off our west coast version of our GHS class of '71 reunion, Janet was a key figure in it's success. Her pride and joy at the family you two created was obvious and truly heartfelt. I hope you can rally around the family and dampen the heartbreak you must be feeling. God bless.
Ellen McCourt Scarano
October 20, 2024
Janet and I were high school buddies. She always had something witty, smart or thoughtful to say. I wish we had known each other better but time and distance often make decisions for us. God bless Janet's family with his peace as you say goodbye. Remember in death, life is changed, not ended. Ellen GHS'71
Patricia Iurato
October 20, 2024
Janet was my oldest friend, going back to our early childhood days - she was an amazing person and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to you all on your loss.
Mercedes U. Moteno
October 18, 2024
Chris the loss of your beloved is almost insurmountable in its magnitude, however, having spent decades working at the same office I have faith in your strength and determination. My thoughts are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. Mercedes
Judith Garvey
October 18, 2024
I am very sad to learn of the sudden death of Janet. You had such a wonderful life together which couldn't have been more perfect. Sincere condolences.
Patty Juan Natalie Anna Jayo
October 18, 2024
Dear Nedeau Family, We are heartbroken over your tragic loss, our loss. Hoped to see her & Chris (& Nash) at our NV rancho on their westward drive back to SF...also loved celebrating with her at the annual NDV Bal and the fabulous Memorial weekend family camp outings! Many fond and fun memories to hold onto.
"When someone you loves becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure."❤
Janet...a tried and true Treasure.
Liz Shafer
October 18, 2024
This is such a beautiful picture of Janet, and a lovely way to remember her, at Peter’s wedding surrounded by her family that she loved so much. I am still in shock that we won’t run into each other in White Lake or on the streets of Philadelphia or catch up on FB. Please know that you are all in my thoughts as you navigate this difficult transition and that we will always carry with us fun memories of our times together. ❤
Lenore Naxon
October 18, 2024
Janet was a gracious hostess and we reveled at her Christmas open houses. She lived to see Peter wed his live a short time ago, surrounded by loving friends and family. MY her memory be a blessing.
Sue Horvath Horsfall
October 17, 2024
Chris, so sorry to read about the passing of your wife, Janet. What a spirited individual she was and so very talented too. So sorry for your loss. May God bless you with loving memories of her to give you and your family peace.
Robin Novak
October 17, 2024
I will miss seeing Janet at mahjong and the yacht club. I have nice memories of a shared dinner at her house last summer and our house this summer, as well as many Music on the Decks as we enjoyed ice cream together. Rest in peace, Janet. To Chris and the family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Ginny Roemer
October 17, 2024
Chris, Jen, Paul and Peter,
I am so sorry Janet has left us. I admired and cared for her over the years and I expected to see her 20 years from now. Still, She has left so much beauty in this world, her art, her many students and her wonderful children. I have told her I was jealous of her on Face Book, but, the truth of it is, she earned all the goodness that came into her life. She was smart. She was brave. She was creative. She was fun. She was generous. She was confident. She was hard working. She was honorable. She was caring. But you know all this. .
PLEASE honor her memory by the quality of YOUR lives.
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