Dr. Janis L. Best

Best, Dr. Janis L. SCHENECTADY Dr. Janis L. Best, 91, of Schenectady, died February 28, 2011 at Kingsway Nursing Facility after a long illness. Born in Claverack, N.Y., she was a longtime resident of Schenectady since 1949 where she established and later retired from her psychiatry practice and remained in Schenectady. Dr. Best was raised on a farm, attended public schools in Claverack and Hudson respectively, graduated from Hudson High, graduated from Union's University, Albany College of Pharmacy and Bender Hygiene Laboratory School of Medical Technology and later became a licensed pharmacist in the state of New York. She was an instructor of pharmacy at the college before going into Albany Medical College, Union University. She graduated in 1949 and went to Ellis Hospital as an intern. She started with internal medicine then specialized in psychiatry and practiced in Schenectady until January 1986 when she retired. Janis was active throughout the community and was involved with The Schenectady Girls Club for years where she served on the board and was president for two terms. She was an active member of the National Girls Clubs of America for 13 years. She showed interest and supported the Schenectady Museum, Annie Schaffer Senior Citizens, Alumni Association of Albany Medical College, Albany Pharmacy College and Union University, Ingersoll Home for Men, Heritage Home for Women, Proctor's, S.P.A.C. and various medical associations. She currently is an honorary member of the medical and dental instructors of Ellis and St. Clare's Hospital. Her hobbies and interests included sports, travel, cats, gardening and fishing. She is survived by her longtime companion, Dr. Elizabeth Veeder and several relatives, including local cousins, Myron and Alecia Hermance and Wendell Best; and her loving and caring neighbors, Bruce Scrafford and Edmund Metzold. A calling hour will be held Friday from 10 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home at 1503 Union St. (at McClellan St.), Schenectady followed by a brief service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at her final resting place in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, Janis would like contributions to be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.jonesfh.net.