Born 3/1/1938
Queens, New York
Died 1/20/2023
San Jose, California
Details of services
Mom will be interred with our father at Lakeside Cemetery in Burlington, Vermont once spring blooms.
Our dear mother, Janet Truman died in peace on January 20, 2023, in San Jose, California at the age of 84. Mom met the challenges of an autoimmune blood illness as the no-nonsense Queens, New York-born girl she was â with grit, humor and passion to ensure her family and friends knew they were loved.
Her passing comes 3 years after that of her beloved husband, Isidore. She suffered his loss every day, but the life and family they built together was the foundation upon which mom stood and faced each morning and beautiful hill-crested sunset.
Janet and Iz had four children and eight grandchildren. Our geographic distances were never a barrier to mom staying in touch. We treasured her calls, notes, and the beautifully drawn cakes with which she adorned each birthday card. Mom kept track of significant life events for all her family and friends â acknowledging each from her endless supply of cards.
Mom was and always will be a New Yorker. Something exemplified by the sweatshirt she had with her at the end that declared: âYou can take the girl out of Astoria, but you canât take Astoria out of this girl!â And time did not diminish her disdain for the Brooklyn Dodgersâ move to LA.
Home included years in New Jersey and Vermont, where mom was a professional at the University of Vermont Biochemistry and Sociology departments. And, when they had quite enough of northeast winters, California, eventually settling at The Villages in San Jose.
Wherever she called home, mom was active in her community, volunteering at the food co-op, as a member of the Temple Sisterhood of Vermont and her lifelong affiliation with Hadassah. Mom played and taught Mah-Jongg, was politically active and gave generously to causes that help make a difference in peopleâs lives. Mom especially enjoyed her work with the San Jose chapter of the Brandeis University National Committee, serving as treasurer and president. Mom was honored by the national organization for her leadership efforts.
She treasured her friendships, through Brandeis, the Villages Jewish group, her Gelt investment club, and pretty much wherever she went. Janet was a friend who generated great humor, loyalty and joy.
Janet was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Isidore. They are both profoundly missed by her children Bennett (Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur) of Vermont, Robert (Kirsten) of Oregon, Andrea of Georgia, Jennifer of Idaho, and grandchildren Max, Paul, Mia, Niels, Celia, Ilana, Leah and Emma. Janet also leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She loved them all.