This poem was read by Bob Janson at Sacred Heart Church at the memorial mass on June 15, 2006If Tomorrow starts Without Me
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you
And each time that you think of me
I know you will miss me too
But if tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.
He said my place was ready,
In heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
So if tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me
I'm right here in your heart.
Kurt's Eulogy given at Mom's service Friday June 16th 2006Mom was the center of my universe. She gave me life and always protected me.
When I was a child she told me that “I grew out of her side” and that I would fervently oppose whenever she would attempt to leave me even for a moment. I still remember the exact sensation I felt as a child standing close to her, nothing in this world could harm me if I remained by her side. A story she used to tell with fondness was of her attempt to bring me to my first day of nursery school. Of course, I again opposed this notion of separation. I began jumping over the bench seats in that huge station wagon in order to avoid capture. This continued for a number of minutes until mom came to the realization she could no longer catch her baby boy and that our separation and nursery school would have to wait until tomorrow. I would always be her baby boy, nothing would ever change this no matter how old I became.
Mom loved her family unconditionally. The family’s needs always came before hers. She loved Dad and was so proud of her sons.
Mom loved us all. In early adulthood when her son’s finally got around to conversing about who was mom’s favorite we were all surprised to discover that she privately told each of us that we were her favorite. When we confronted her with this surprising revelation the answer was effortless, we all were her favorite. She was a mother to many of us. My friends looked forward to visiting with mom and her providing endless advice. She had a truly remarkable gift to make everyone she touched feel special.
Mom was a people person. She loved to talk to people, listen to people and even to just watch people. Whether it was her family, friends of numerous decades, or the nurse she meet just hours before her passing the result was always the same, mom made a special connection to everyone. She loved to interact with all types of personalities, the more colorful the better. She always found the good qualities in each of us and was blind to the negative.
Mom loved life. Gatherings of friends and family were always a highlight in mom’s life. The neighborhood picnics, the cherished holidays and birthdays, the truly unforgettable times we shared at our Milford cottage. These are the times mom was brightest. The recent picnic we hosted in her honor was such an event.
Mom cared. Many a Janson holiday was spent with mom’s acquaintances that didn’t have anywhere else to be. Mom would open our home to make their holiday special. Growing up I often wondered what these strangers were doing at our dinner table. I now no longer wonder.
Mom was a modern woman. She worked tirelessly in order to be assured of her success in business. She never gave less than 110% in any endeavor she undertook. “Energy begets energy” get up and go she would say.
Mom was a strong, and resilient person, nothing could dent her unwavering optimism. She taught us how to love. She taught us how to care. She taught us how to laugh. Mom Boy did we laugh!
She was not only my mother but also my friend and unwavering supporter. She always told me when she passed that she would be an Angel upon my shoulder. I can feel her now.
I will forever miss her. I love you mom. Kurt
Dave's Poem Given at Mom's Service on June 16th 2006Ann Janson,
A Mom to remember…
Red robins in the garden and the smell of flowers in the spring,
She was an early morning riser, and a lover of all things of the earth.
Like mothers milk, she pours love into her life’s offspring.
Beach waves and hot summer sun, glowing sunsets and gnats in your ears.
Sailboats and salt water, a sailor is made pushed up like wings beneath wind.
She is like a glorious wind of endless support for all who sail on her waters.
She nurtures with encouragement and understanding always prescribing the best course to sail.
Sons are popguns and racecars and daughters are little dresses, dolls, laughter and all things grandma.
How do you mold a little person into a wonderful human being that reflects love like a mirror?
Advise in small bites size doses that get digested and are forever in your storehouse of wisdom to be used like a fountain spray that flows life’s most important messages.
Her wisdom and warm loving personality are passed on to live again in our actions and deeds toward others.
She liked the stormy rains pitter-patter on the deck and thunderclaps that shook the house.
Good times and bad, ups and downs, no matter the weather, never give up the ship and sail on to your rewarded success, echoed her message of “Don’t let life’s troubles get you down.”
Her fortitude and courage were taught by example; fearlessness and endurance are her legacy.
As a colorful rainbow paints the sky, her life has passed but not the reasons for living.
Our hearts and souls are touched having been opened by her loving kindness and devotion, making the journey of her life with us a fond memory to be cherished like a worn out teddy bear, held close to the breast of those who loved her.
We will miss the person but travel on knowing she is with us always and forever and will never be forgotten.
With Love,
Her Son,
David Robert Janson
Rob's EulogyMom,
You gave me so much love and taught me so many things about life. You never were shy, so I thought you would think it was OK that I share some of my special memories of you.
You had so much energy and interest in almost everything. I remember riding in the back of your red bike. How you loved to stop and talk to people. Your conversation style was so inquisitive. You were always so honestly interested in other people lives, thoughts and feelings. You never kept things from me and always were very interested in what I was thinking.
I remember how many many times I was sick or hurt how you sang for me, made me chicken soup, how you put the wet cloth on my head, took my temperature, gave me alcohol rubs, put Vics on my chest, ran the humidifier and brought me the bucket. I don't know how I would have made it through those times without your love and compassion.
I remember the games you played and all the surprises. The waking up on Easter and following the red string to the clothes dryer. How you used to delight in dressing and feeding us. You used to let us stay up and play cards with all your colourful friends. Even though we were just kids, you wanted us to share in the fun and laughter. How when you got your bonuses from work you bought us the Shack, and the time you splurged on the trip to St. Thomas.
I remember how you danced, all dressed up in bright colours, gold or bronze. You showed me that it is OK to have fun and express yourself. Living in such a conservative culture now I stand out like a peacock. Everyone else hangs back and spectates, you taught us not to be afraid, get up and dance, ask for that raise, suck the marrow out of life. You only live once. No regrets. Don't be afraid because you are wonderful. These were your messages.
I remember all the old world parables you carried down with pride from your Mom. "Do on to others as you would have them do to you" . You were into motivation tapes before anyone else. You always knew that if one remains positive then good things happen. So many others I know must have been raised by pessimists. Thank you so much for giving me so much optimism.
I remember your Christmas's. Decorating the tree with you. When I watch American Christmas movies from Australia showing those fabulous Christmas trees. The Australian's laugh and say Christmas isn't like that. I don't say it, but I think to myself yes it is I was there! We had a tree more beautiful than that, the heartfelt prepared dinner and all the love one could hope for on every Christmas day. We never had any family fights that I hear others bemoan.
You created this wonderful feeling in the house that always started the new year with such good feelings.
I remember your Rainbow relationship with Davey and Janine. How you always focused on the little ones. Understanding what they need at each wonderful stage. How many presents you sent to Leif just at the right time in his development.
You had so much love. I will always remember looking up at those green eyes that beamed back love at me. You told me how my arrival in the world freed you from suffering and helped you reconnect you with all the joy inside you. You taught me that even when the worst imaginable thing happens that love and life carry on. I wanted to let you know that your love was not wasted on me. That the love you gave me I pass on to my son as he will pass it on to his children.
I will miss your love so much Mom, but you gave me so much of it that I have more than enough to see me through this short life.
Love Always,
Rob
A Eulogy by Ann's Sister Dorthy DeGennaro, it was read at her memorial service on June 16th 2006: As far back as I could remember, Annie and I always planned our lives together and she insisted that I be part of her adventures. There were some difficult times, but we remained close sisters. And yes, sometimes we slighted our companions, but we were raised to be strong women. Nothing was impossible for Annie.
My sister, was always called, “Annie.” We grew up together in Fairfield, Connecticut. I will always remember my mother’s words, “you are so lucky to be sisters. Stay together and you will always have each other.” Being latch key kids, we joined the immigrant neighborhood gang on Vermont Avenue. One of Annie’s best friends was, Eleanor. They socialized together in the teens. Annie’s personality was always outgoing, friendly, giving, and she was always on an “adventure”. When the girls came home late from their dates, they would laugh and giggle into the night while I was sleeping in bed. Of course, this created problems, especially since I was not part of their escapades. My mother was awakened by the commotion and settled everything once again. When Annie graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School, beneath her yearbook picture was written, “She paints the world in colors gay.”
This proved to be her motto for living though the years.
Niece Lisa Zokas’ fond memories of “Tata” Annie was the community trip to Uncle Bob’s reserve assignment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annie invited us, myself and children and a close friend, Chris, along with her boys to ride in the Janson’s stationwagon. We all pilled into the stationwagon with luggage flapping in the rain on the roof and away we went on an exciting historical adventure in the city of brotherly love.
Sister Annie and I married and settled in the same town, Fairfield in our new homes. We combined our money and talents with the help of the families and spent most of our summers with family and friends gathering at the beach house on the beach in Milford, Connecticut. We both worked physically and Annie’s job was painting the underside of the deck with black, sticky creosol. Nothing was impossible for Annie.
Our next move was to Southbury, Connecticut where we settled in Walter Zokas’s “Holly Hill Estates” It was a new beginning in a new place to raise the kids and establish a comfortable life style. Our retirement years were spent in Bradington, Florida where Sister Annie once again planned a card party social every Sunday with our close friend Chris, Cousin Terry and Arlene. Annie learned to play Mai John with the Tara Country Club residents. Even though she was disabled, she always stayed physically active and kept a positive attitude.
Now it’s relocation time again. Sister Annie has gone on ahead to a new and peaceful place where we will all be together again. I will miss my best friend and confident dreadfully and I will remember her strength and endurance and pass on the legacy with the help of family and friends. I love you always, Sister Annie
An appropriate verse from the bible by the Apostle, Paul, reads as follows:
“I have fought a good fight
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith,
Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
Which the Lord, the Righteous Judge shall give me that day.”
