Condolences & Memories

55 thoughts on “Condolences & Memories

  1. Isabel and Taylor

    Dear Bill,

    It is wonderful to hear from you! I have been meaning to thank you so much for the opportunity to spend a whole lovely, perfect day celebrating Jan’s memorable and beautiful life of love, caring, and giving. From here on out I will always think of Jan and feel her strong presence when I go to Coopers Rock. I might even have a conversation with her and probably will hug a tree.

    I continue to think of Jan and honor her life by measuring my own behavior to what Jan might do. I am so happy and fortunate to have her as a ongoing mentor in my life!

    I well remember reading Sarah Culberson’s story in the paper when first printed and have followed her since. Taylor and I were honored to donate in Jan’s memory for such an honorable cause.

    Thank you for recalling for us that Sarah sang at your wedding! Yes, where has the time gone?

    Our thoughts are with you, and with Emily, and Taylor and I wish you

    Peace, Hope, Joy, Love

    Isabel and Taylor

    P.S. I love how you show recognition of Jan’s presence in your life. Her spirit lives on! ❤️

  2. George Racin

    Jan was a very special person! She was a delight to be around. I met her in the 80’s when she was part of our little Yoga group. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.

  3. Storm Russell

    Dear Bill,
    I was so saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. Jan was a very special person as are you, and you will forever be a very special couple. I have such wonderful memories of our time and experiences together enjoying the beauty of the Danube and the Salzkammergut Lakes. My thoughts are with you.
    Sent with my deepest condolences, and with love and friendship always.
    Storm

  4. Pekka Oja and Sylvia Titze

    Dear Bill,
    our sincere condolence for the loss of Jan. We value her lifelong dedication to personal well-being and care of the vulnerable ones. We share her devotion with nature. We are fond of having the wonderful time on bikes with her in America and Europe.
    Very best wishes to you Bill without Jan.
    Sylvia and Pekka

  5. Dan Williams

    Hello My Dear Friend Bill,
    Mae and I grieve with you and Emily. Unfortunately we were unable to make that talked about “Broadway/Dinner “ engagement together. We will remember her in a special way when you are able to join us for the experience in the future.
    Regrets that I never met her personally but I fondly remember the warm thoughts that we shared on the phone.
    Thanks for being such a great friend and you are in our prayers. Blessings. Dan

  6. Judy Sedgeman

    Jan was one of those rare people who radiated love and acceptance no matter what. She made everyone in her presence feel appreciated, welcomed, and, especially, listened to and respected. I enjoyed the opportunities I had to work with Jan (and Bill!) at the Health Sciences Center, and always looked forward to being involved in things with them.
    I know her beautiful smile and positive presence will be missed by many, especially by her family, but it lives on in the hearts of all of us. She was, and is, an inspiration.

  7. Joseph Anselm Picciano

    Although I never was privileged to meet Jan in person, I make bold to offer a few words of condolences to Bill , and all who grieve her loss . For some brief but significant years Bill and I followed the path of the Marist Brothers . Whenever our paths came to cross in the years we followed paths of our own discerning , Bill was sure to make reference to and mention of his cherished life companion . What a wonderful witness he unceremoniously gave to the marvel and the grandeur that committed love ve engenders in its partners , and consistently so . Joining you all in thanksgiving for Jan’s love and service for and to the world of nature , and to so many human individuals, in a prayer for her peace , for the consolation of those who mourn her , for the realization of the goals for which she spent her life .

  8. Carol Cole

    She loved, she lived, she laughed, and she listened …. my dear cousin Jan, such a treasure to all of us who were so blessed to have you in our lives.

    I have 78 years of wonderful memories ….
    …holidays with grandparent’s, parents, aunts and uncles
    …beaches, bays, and bikes
    …pools, parades, ping pong and picnics
    …swimming, sunning, and singing (with accordion and piano)
    and then we grew up ….
    and continued to do the same ….

    Jan made sure we stayed “connected” even as our mileage distance increased. Whether by phone, e-mail, post cards, cousin holidays or zoom, we stayed “in touch”.

    “Play on” cousin Jan, and continue to find joy and peace in God’s great outdoors.

  9. Tom Allison

    To Jan

    I bid your body a fondest farewell
    Once so strong, so fair that in a white dress
    Graced the ’47 Plymouth … but yes
    Even the best in the end must someday leave us.

    But your spirit will bear no goodbyes
    Soaring through the skies to almost heaven
    Draping long green slopes down to the river
    Bloodstream of our fondest hopes: Monongahela.

    When may I sleep? I close my eyes, I wait —
    For what laughter tapping at the window
    To which I rise and rush and throw open
    Fully to your sweet presence freely flowing in.

    Tucked safe inside this house whose stories
    Chapter by chapter of our lives we wrote
    Which wrap me always in your faithful arms
    Taking comfort through each otherwise restless night.

    I rise refreshed and take my little walk
    To your bench where with your memories
    I might talk, rest a spell, and dwell until
    The appointment of my own destiny arrives.

    My bike will stand, abandoned to spiders
    Two young lovers will come to buy our house
    Sit on our sunny deck and wonder why
    They often hear two voices laughing in the sky.

  10. Betsy

    Sorry I wasn’t able to join you a couple days ago for the impromptu dinner. I have such fond memories of the lunches that Susan and John arranged on their porch giving you and Jan, and Dwight and me, activities to look forward to during the pandemic. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that first Dwight, and then Jan, have disappeared from our daily activity space. Of course they remain deep within our hearts, and we will always replay the many wonderful memories we made with them.

    Because Jan enjoyed biking on the rail trail, and enjoying lunches at Terra Cafe, we thought a bench near the trail to remember and celebrate her would be a nice tribute to all she added to our lives. I hope you and Emily will agree as you continue to enjoy your rail trail outings. Sending you love and peace,

  11. MaryLee

    Jan left a beautiful legacy for so many of us who had the pleasure and honor to know her.

    I met Jan in the ’80’s at Valley where I taught for a short time. I
    will always remember her warm and loving nature and how she always made
    a person feel special in her presence. Fun and laughter surrounded the
    gatherings we had together at her home which gave me a sense of
    belonging in those early years. There were so many ways she touched my
    life with her kindness, wisdom, and guidance. She had a beautiful soul
    that gathered people together in love and peace.

    We lost touch when we got busy with raising a family; you both married
    and she continued to pursue her interests. Years passed, but grateful
    that our Higher Powers brought us back to another circle of love.

    We pray that the special memories of all you shared with Jan bring you
    peace.

    You will continue to be in our hearts and prayers!

  12. Karen Seasport

    We are so very sorry to hear about Jan’s passing. She was such a sensitive and caring person. Her gentle way of helping parents when she was working with the infant program. I value the training she shared with me. She became not only a teacher but I consider her a friend.

  13. Natasha

    One my most treasured memories I have with Jan is walking and talking with her from your house to the lake and back. ❤️

  14. Candy

    2 Corinthians 5:6-8 – So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

  15. Cindy Sue

    I first met Jan in 1974 when she interviewed for a position in the mental health center where I worked. She was about my age, filled with energy and enthusiasm and, I learned, was spending much of her spare time following the Watergate Hearings on TV. Whew! A real grown up! I soon learned that that grown-up had a great sense of fun and was extremely generous with her energy and enthusiasms.
    Jan gathered people together, starting many traditions in the process. Valley Girls potluck gatherings started at Jan’s house shortly after she was employed and continued for several years after that. She joined Book Clubs and invited many others to join. She encouraged me to join a service organization and waited patiently for years until I was ready. She had a great sense of community and the value that Individuals brought to the group. One summer she asked me if I’d like to go to Rehoboth Beach with her. Being new to adventures, I hesitated but luckily allowed her to talk me into it. Those trips continued for some years and included several other friends over time. Many years later Beach gatherings started up again, with a new group, a new beach, a new phase of life. A rich gathering of longtime friends during which many memories and confabulations were shared with gusto.
    In my mind, Jan is synonymous with movement -running, walking, biking, swimming, hiking, skiing- (especially cross country) and later, snowshoeing. She was the quintessential California Girl happily transplanted in WV. She understood that not all friends could do all that she could do but always found friends with whom she could share her interests. Jan is also synonymous with place: her welcoming homes; travel destinations such as Rehoboth Beach, Blackwater Falls, Hilton Head; Rail Trails and Coopers Rock. Our friendship was fed by walking many miles of rail trails together and hiking in several areas of Coopers Rock over the years.
    I loved Jan for her irrepressible and infectious laughter. I can hear her now and see her absolutely bent over with a guffaw she could not repress. Oftentimes laughter would emerge from a misunderstanding or a goofy blunder. We always got a lot of mileage out of those events, often breaking into laughter simultaneously when days later a new event would remind us of the old.
    I also loved Jan for her willingness always to bridge long gaps in contact. It didn’t seem to matter who reached out first; it was always good to be back in touch.
    I lived with Jan for some months in between the end of a lease and the possibility of getting married and moving away. Again Jan’s generosity and optimism prevailed. Not only did she invite me in but also hosted the rehearsal dinner in her home. Another example of above and beyond.
    A couple years later I was in the hospital in Florida and my husband was in intensive care and Jan showed up one day early on at my bedside. It was completely unexpected and so generous. I have no idea what it took for her to make that happen but she did it. She also wrote a letter to the ICU nurses so they could have a chance to experience my husband as she had before the accident.
    Jan- sunlight, laughter, adventurer, passionate about nature, understanding of human nature, includer in chief. Generous with her talents: preparing food, sending notes, thinking of others and acting on it. Jan – the whole package.
    And Jan managed to do all these things while tending to the premier Loves of her Life: Emily and Bill.

  16. George and Kristi Kelley

    Bill, on behalf of my wife Kristi and I, we want to express our deepest sympathies in the passing of Jan. We found Jan, like yourself, to be a high-quality human being who truly modeled the healthy lifestyle she promoted to others. While we will miss seeing her on the trail, her spirit will live on.

  17. Frank Gmeindl

    I met Jan at Healthworks where we were both seeking the cure for spinal problems. We continued to share experiences through all the surgeries, therapies and medicines as well as all the hopes, pain and frustration. Jan was a model for me for continuous learning, never giving up and making the best of whatever life brought our way.
    Bill has been a great friend to me: generous with his time, knowledge and connections. We have had fun together! His and Jan’s love was exemplary. I hope he can find solace in the love that our community has for him.

  18. Reggie Diss

    To know Jan Reger-Nash was to experience one of life’s most precious gifts, a gift not limited by time, but one that continued to unfold over 25 years of acquaintance and that continues even now following her passing. Jan was a caring and loving person. These traits, combined with her friendliness and ease engaging with others, enabled her to share her caring, loving personality to the benefit of many. She encouraged, enabled, and supported others to discover and achieve their full potential. She was present. You could count on her!

    To me, a fitting tribute to Jan is to think of her as being the experience of walking in the woods on a mid-spring day, and while doing so, taking delight in the many promises of beauty peeking through winter’s cover, being keenly aware of the strength, stability, and protection provided by the hardwoods overhead, and delighting in the varied songs of birds announcing the arrival of spring and the promise of new life. We all experienced these same gifts from Jan’s physical life, and she remains with us now and ever.

    Knowing Jan was to see goodness and to incorporate this goodness into our lives. She continues to live in us through our dealings with others as we go forth, each in our unique ways.

  19. Amy and Eric

    Hi Bill,

    Eric and I were so sad to hear of Jan’s passing. We were very touched by the notice in the Dominion Post. She was clearly a wonderful person. We can only imagine how hard this must be for you.

    We are looking forward to seeing you next weekend and participating in the celebration of her life. What a lovely idea and a fitting tribute.

    Take care.

  20. Toni

    Hi Bill,

    I saw this news on Facebook and have been wanting to reach out to you. I am so very sorry to hear about Jan. The love you had for her was obvious from the first time meeting you and hearing you talk about her, I always appreciated that so much. I can not imagine how difficult this must be to deal with, but she would love this celebration you have planned for her. I wont be able to attend, but please know I wish I was able to make it home for this. Always available for a chat, if you ever need someone to talk to…

    Moms are truly amazing…

    Please know you’re in my thoughts and I hope the celebration is a wonderful, healing time. Let me know if you need anything at all!!

  21. Took

    Dear Bill, I am sorry. Although I only met her once she was so welcoming when we visited in Hawaii. Losing a partner is so hard. Sounds like you have a wonderful group of family and friends who will support you through the grieving process. Peace does come in time but love this great will survive within you forever.

    Much love.

  22. Christine

    Hello Dr. Reger-Nash,

    I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. What a lovely way to celebrate her life, energy and spirit. I wish you the very best as you process your loss and grief.

    Take good care,

  23. Sandy

    Bill,

    We have been thinking of you and Emily, and, of course, Jan with love and care and hope you are feeling comforted by the warmth and sympathy of your many friends. We sadly will miss Jan’s celebration … but we will be thinking of you. Jan is such a lovely woman, and we miss her. What an inspired and creative gathering you are having in her honor – Jan would be pleased. All best wishes.

  24. Cora

    Bill,

    My heart goes out to you. Jan was a wonderful person. She would be so honoured by the celebrations of life you have planned for her. I will be attending in spirit.

    My love and thoughts are with you always.

  25. Sharon

    Bill,

    I did not know about Jan’s passing. I am so sorry. Her smile, kindness to everyone, and her strong love of nature is what I will remember most about her. Bill and I love to hike and appreciate being amongst the trees and communing with the sights and sounds of the birds and animals. I’m sure Jan’s love for nature rubbed off on me when we were together a number of years ago.

    We now live in NC and are presently finishing up a house in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Couldn’t stay away from the mountains! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it back to WV on 5/28..though I would love to be there. I will think about you all then and will constantly remember her when I am out amongst the trees which is often.

    Her life, well lived, will be an inspiration to many.

    Sending ❤️❤️🙏🙏 to you, Bill.

  26. Mimi

    Dear Bill,

    Thank you so much for including me in this email. I had not known Jan had passed and am so sorry for her loss. She was exceptional and the connection you two had was beautiful. My heart goes out to you during this time of grieving and I am sending you a hug. I will plan on doing my own celebration of her life here in NM on Saturday to partake and send my energy out to join everyone else’s.

    With much love and gratitude

  27. Lauren

    I’m so sorry to read about the loss of Jan. I credit the two of you with changing my life (literally) during the Foundations of Wellness course. I really enjoyed getting to know both of you then. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort.

  28. Marcie and Ron

    Thank you for sending out a notice of the celebration of Jan’s life you will be doing this weekend. I’m so sorry that we will be unable to attend but please know we will be there in spirit celebrating with all of you. It looks like you will have wonderful weather so everyone will have a special day remembering the wonderful person that Jan was. Thanks for letting us know the events will be posted on YouTube. Have a fun day with special friends.

  29. Stucko

    Skipper,

    So sorry for your loss… so I have been struggling logistically how to pull off and get there Saturday.

    I been trying to shift things around to go to your location but I have other guys with me and just can’t pull off all the travel logistics to physically make it there Saturday. I’m terribly sorry!

    I just can’t get there but I promise I will be there in spirit!

    There is a special place I go to in Pinehurst that is a beautiful lake that has a sandy 2 mile loop & trail I run there before golf… I will take a picture and send it and will think of you and Jan while on the trail and that will be my small part of your celebration of life.

    I’m sure your going to have a sad but wonderful and and peaceful day Saturday.

    God bless and love ya brother!

  30. Tammara

    Bill:

    I had not heard of Jan’s passing. Although our paths crossed only briefly, I know how powerful and loving her physical presence was, and that it will be missed by many. I will celebrate with you both in Spirit.

    Sending love and prayers.

  31. Candace

    I hope you are finding some comfort and peace. Thank you for including me in the invitation to Jan’s memorial. I plan to be there.

    All good wishes.

  32. Kristen

    Wow! How in the world you organized such an amazing, broad celebration is beyond me. No, check that, I do understand it. It’s because you are an amazing husband to Jan and want the best for her.

    We will be going to Manitou Springs on the 30th to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary (39 years together) and I look forward to viewing the YouTube when we return.

    Best wishes for a beautiful, love-filled celebration of Jan,
    Kristen

  33. Lesley

    Hey Reger, so very sorry to read your email for Jan and that you’ve lost your soulmate. Wonderful obit ( hence, I understand why the two of you lived a loving life; a female clone of you!) wow, what a full life she lived. And, a giving life.
    My favorite two pictures are Jan in the rocking chair and the poster “Unattended kids get espresso and a puppy!” Hilarious…..
    You have organized a celebration that sounds perfect for the lives you two led. I’ll be sure to check YouTube ( if I can figure it out,Luddite that I remain)

  34. Greg

    Bill, thanks so much for the invitation. I was unaware of Jan’s passing and extremely sorry to hear. Great, classy lady who will be sorely missed.

  35. Joseph & Kim Reese

    Kim and I never had the opportunity to meet Jan. However, our limited phone and email conversations over the decades always show the loving bond the two of you have! She is a part of you and Emily’s life for all your days to come, and her influence on you both will always help each of you light up a room.
    Your loss saddens our hearts. The love that you and Jan have for each other will always be with you! But the people you have both touched over your time here will share your gifts of love, warmth, and goodness as time moves on with others.
    Bill, you have always been a big brother to me, we regret the distance, and our health, will not allow us to be at your side on the day of this special memorial.

  36. Holly

    My thoughts are with you, Bill and Emily. It’s not easy to let go someone so close but I know Jan’s love continues to lift you.
    Bill, when my sister, mother, and I visited you and Jan in Morgantown so many years ago, we later remarked how we could not have dreamed up a better partner for you. I’m sure as you wake every morning, your first conscious thought will be of her smile, and you’ll still say, “Good morning!” to the love of your life. What a way to start each day. Be well, my friend.
    Love, Holly

  37. Dave and Robin

    Dear Bill,

    It was very sad to hear of Jan’s passing. She was an amazing person! Her positive affect on people & the community was exceptional. Of course, you already know all that which I’m sure brings warmth to your heart.

    Losing your partner and best friend has to be one of the hardest hills to climb in life. I hope those good memories of Jan will continue to give you courage & strength.

    All our very best and love to you friend.

  38. Theo Webb

    Love Cycle
    for Bill from Jan, Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020

    To cycle any distance, one wheel won’t make it. We need two.
    Bill, you’re my precious wheel.
    Thank God’s Miracles! I’m cycling with you.

    As wheels travel, days weeks, months, years unravel.
    As all points on the wheel turn to kiss the Earth.
    So too, I’m falling ever more in love with you, Bill,
    Ever more appreciate of your infinite worth!

    Our priceless wheel, I contemplate, the spokes of your soul,
    Of you, Bill, the whole, I appreciate:
    Mindful joy, fun, laughter,
    Eyes upon the road that matters…

    Bill, I admire how, like Big Sky, you’re never daunted by,
    Doing something far and wide, to help someone…
    The compassion in your eyes is like the sun.

    Bill, you’re a wonderful champion to Emily.
    My Sherpa, you’re a dedicated companion to me.

    I often think of cycling weather, sun and rain, our years together.
    The beginning dawn, a postcard you answered,
    Like pedaling moves a bicycle faster…

    Riding at Jackson’s Mill, side by side, I asked, “Bill, do you know a ‘Course
    In Miracles’?”
    The beginning of us, like poetry lyrical…
    Bill, a man I could love, becoming my miracle:

    A miracle, Bill, pushing yourself uphill, to be a good person, a kindred soul,
    to fulfill,
    Pushing me, within myself to free, the best person I too could be.

    A friendship journey to love listening, staying put, hearing all of my feelings,
    Difficult but necessary, leading to healings, to realize with sun comes
    inclement weather.
    The whole flood of emotion, creating motion, uphill or down, we cycle together.

    Committed, our journey, August 24, 1996, outdoors our wedding at Mon
    Chateau fixed.
    Wheels in synch, eyes connected, me, in my wedding dress, you in your lei,
    Our ongoing vows, balance and being, our meaning our way:

    “I’ve loved every rotation of our wheels, 26 years of mindful, elation,
    A marriage like meditation, holding hands in Hawaii, New Zealand,
    All places near and far, cycling deep in our hearts…

    I’ve breathed deep with you, cycling through, holding handlebars, and then
    Learning to let go,
    Let the road steer, not ego, how easy and rewarding it feels to relax,
    To share credit, not charge any mountain to the max.”

    Bill, our marriage is like the Persian poet, Hafiz,
    Reciting a dream beyond a universe of seas…
    Our love is like the wind a sailboat let fill the sail with prophecy,
    My dream of marrying you, even before we met…

    Our love is a bicycle: Two wheels in one direction become a greater wheel,
    A larger cycle giving birth, like trade winds and ocean currents,
    Our love is always moving, like God’s miracle of the Earth.

    Poem for William Reger-Nash from Jan Reger-Nash, Valentine’s Day,
    February 14, 2020. Bill, love is years. Thank you for 26 years and
    counting, love you every minute of every hour of every day. Thank you
    for listening to my feelings, for being present for me. I appreciate your
    passion, mindfulness and your beautiful soul. -Jan

    “Love Cycle”: by Theo Webb. Based on in-depth interview with Jan Reger-Nash, this poem was composed using detailed descriptions, memories, and stories of Bill & Jan’s marriage, which were contemplated as a whole, then turned into poetry by Theodore “Theo” Webb (304 554-9272; twebb4502@gmail.com)

  39. Laurie and Chipper Chase

    Dearest Bill,

    You two angels stick out in our minds as far as special White Grass Friends. Always so warm and magic, especially the gentle smiles and heart-to-heart talks. Cory has always been telling us of your relationship and how much he learns from such wise people. May this continue, even without the physical presence of the love of your life. She lives on in you.

    We send our warmest condolences to you at this time. Jan will be sorely missed by us all. We hope you return to ski with us at White Grass next season!

    Know that there are so many that will support you, especially in these trying times. Our love is right there with everyone else.

  40. Days for Girls

    Our Days for Girls group loved having Jan attend our work days when she was able. She always walked around – massaging our shoulders as we worked at our sewing machines. We will miss her generous spirit and kind ways.

    Sending Peace and Comfort from our Group.

  41. Jane Lambie

    If the everyone lived, as Jan did, with love and compassion for everything and everyone, we would live in eternal bliss…as she does now. Her light shone bright, a light ignited in all fortunate enough to know her. She fought hard, she loved well, all is well with her soul. I will be with you in spirit on the 28th Bill. ❤️ Jane (little man will be there!)

  42. Theodore Webb

    Jan is among the most beautiful spirits I’ve been so blessed to be connected to & always kind, loving. Appreciate all Jan’s kindness, friendship and love shown to me & so many other people, friends and family. Hugs always Emily & Bill.

  43. Mary Graff

    I am Jan’s friend from Duluth, MN. We hadn’t spoken for years when she recently reconnected with me after seeing me on Facebook. We reminisced and reconnected. I am sorry for your loss.

  44. Robin

    Jan is a person full of love

    Her smiles and her compassion greeted me when I saw her. She had a joy of life and living.

    She had hard times in her life. She had heartbreak and disappointment. She took her life and she forged a life of joy and laughter for herself, her family and friends.

    I loved that she could take care of herself without losing her compassion and caring for others, how she could care so much for others without losing herself.

    She always brings a smile to my face.

    She may not be with us in body, her love of life, her caring, are treasures i carry.

  45. Siegfried Bleher

    I got hired by WVU in 1994, just got married that year and moved with Kimberly to Morgantown from Hamilton, ON. Kimberly did not yet have anything to do in Morgantown, so she visited the campus to talk with folks in Health Sciences to see if there were any jobs available. I went to the Chamber of Commerce where I found Jan’s Holistic Counseling Services brochure, which I shared with Kimberly. Jan immediately welcomed us into her community, the GIFT group, which we were active in for many years and through which we found a home in Morgantown, not only a place to work. Bill and Jan included us in many fun activities, with kindness and open hearts. Jan’s smile always told us how happy she was to see us.

    We are grateful to have known her and received her blessings. She may have moved on, but her blessings will not diminish with time.

  46. Joi and Brad

    In just two years, our connection with Jan and Bill seems woven throughout other life memories. Amazing!
    Jan and I (Joi) developed a deep friendship when each of us chose the path of living more fully each day by controlling our pain instead of allowing pain to control us. It was our shared commitment to build new, positive neuro-pathways in our ‘ol brains, that we scheduled accountability phone calls. Our initial cognitive-centered conversations quickly blossomed into shared stories of those we love, Bill’s jokes (though Jan wasn’t sure she repeated the punch lines correctly), insights and experiences with nature, our personal spirituality, challenges from various readings and the arts, the freedom to express ourselves, weekly accountability*, and the ever present uplift of our ongoing laughter. *It seems important to add that Jan encouraged us to have a notebook specifically for setting goals and tracking accomplishments. While we occasionally(!) veered from our primary focus, prior to closing our conversations; Jan gently steered us to recap, reflect and renew our dedication to this life-changing process. Our woven experiences will ever remain within me.

  47. Dale Stead

    Jan was a beautiful, wonderful, loving, God’s gift to the world, person who was very helpful to me. I will allways remember her with love in my heart.
    Dale Stead

  48. birgit ball-eisner

    Janet’s light burns strong and bright.
    I have met many people in my long life but Janet was such a gift. I felt such a bond with her from the first time we met. I loved walking Kailua beach with her – we hugged and laughed and shared stories. Her spirit is light and her laughter so rich and unforgettable. I can still hear her. I hope she and Dan meet up somewhere out there. I will be in HI in June for my daughters memorial and will walk the beach with the 3 of them
    In my heart. I know they will be there with me. 💕💓🙏

  49. Michael Brumage

    Jan was one of those people that you always feel better when you’re around them. She had a kind and curious nature and filled any space she was in with warmth. She reminded you that there are good people in the world, a comfort in dark times. I’ll always remember her gentle spirit, a skill she kindled with her meditation practice. We can honor her presence among us daily when we enjoy the faces of those around us, when we see a beautiful scene in nature, when we laugh, or share a meal with people we love, because those are moments she would also enjoy. I write this smiling because I can see her smiling along with me and with us. Her physical presence has transitioned, but as long as we think of her, she is among us. Thank you for sharing your time with all of us, Jan. You are missed in this world, but we remember you.

  50. Mandy Putnam

    Bill and Emily, I was saddened to learn about Jan’s death after her surgery. I viewed Jan as too resilient and vibrant to leave suddenly. Jan was blessed with many beautiful gifts. But what I most remember is how she welcomed me – Dan’s latest girlfriend – into a tightly knit group whose friendships had been forged for decades. Given his recent track record, that seemed like a high hurdle. But Jan was a kind person, a loyal friend, and kept an open heart. My years traveling to Morgantown were some of my best ones, and I have Jan and Bill, especially, to thank for that time.

  51. Rob & April Pack

    Bill, Emily, and all friends: Jan’s spirit burns brightly throughout the world. She radiated love, kindness, acceptance, generosity, warmth, wellness, and intentionality to every single person she ever met. I can see and hear her smiling now, welcoming me kindly, as she did every time we spoke or met. A truly lovely and exceptional person, inside and out. Our thoughts are with you all. -Rob & April

  52. Meg Hursh Murray and Sarah Hursh Huling

    The depth of our grief is immense, as is our love for Jan. It has been an honor to have had her in our lives since birth. Her unwavering friendship, love and support for both our parents fills us with gratitude. The remembrance of her laugh and smile will continue to fill our hearts and remind us of the beauty and joy in the world.

    Namaste~
    Meg Hursh Murray and Sarah Hursh Huling

  53. Jesse H.

    We are beside ourselves at the loss of Jan, and our love and support are endless for Bill and Emily. Jan was such an amazing force of love and goodness. Our thoughts are with the family and friends mourning Jan but we also rejoice in her impact on the world. Thank you Jan for your strength and impact on us in our own journey. You will be missed.

    With Love,
    Jesse & The Headys