Rachel Einwohner added this message on July 28, 2010:

I knew Jana in graduate school in sociology at the UW - she was in the cohort after mine but finished her degree before I did (and yes, I remember that whirlwind of a dissertation finish that Dan described on the website).

I will always remember her as a hard worker and a strong and fiercely independent woman. She was also quite beautiful and had a great sense of style, as the pictures on the website attest.

Jana, you left this world too soon. Safe travels.

Rachel Einwohner

Karen Rieselbach added this message on July 28, 2010:

I knew Jana through Middle School and High School and though we were friendly, I wouldn't have called us "friends". It wasn't until one summer during our undergrad years when I came back to Bloomington and took some summer school classes at IU (and found Jana doing the same) that we really got to know each other well. She started dropping by the house (which was not far from her parents' home) and we would sit and talk for hours. I still remember those marathon conversations, and all I learned from her, and about her. Though we lost touch again in the years that followed, I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to communicate with Jana again before she left us.

My sincerest condolences to Jana's family and all who loved her. Thank you, also, to Jana and Dan, for creating this incredible website. It is truly a gift for all of us left behind. Jana accomplished so much and touched so many during her 41 years. It is clear from this website that she will not be forgotten and that those of us still here will do our best to make her proud.

Jana, my friend, I love you.

Melissa Forbes added this message on July 28, 2010:

I don’t know that Jana and I ever said a word and I’m not sure that she would even know who I am. I recall Christmas at Aunt Ruth’s and Uncle Jim’s. I always viewed Jana and Jimmy as the cool, older kids. It was obvious even then to a young child, the bond that Jimmy and Jana shared. As time passed, I would hear stories here and there from Jim and Patricia on the whereabouts of their children and what they have accomplished – which was always awe-inspiring. Looking at this memorial site shows that Jana lived an amazing life with great friends and family and had a companion that clearly loved her to her core. In her short time on earth, she lived a fuller life than most people who live to be 80 and beyond. That serves as an inspiration to me and I’m sure to others.

My deepest sympathy to Jim and Patricia, Jim, Dan and all others who loved Jana.

Melissa Forbes
(daughter of Faye and Leon, Jim’s cousin)

Michael Molenda added this message on July 28, 2010:

As a colleague of her dad's, I knew of Jana only through his reports. But I share the family's grief at the loss of such a talented and promising young woman. Thankfully, she made wonderful use of the time she had, and has made a positive impact on many lives. May she rest in peace.

Steve Ames (Woodcock) added this message on July 28, 2010:

Although we lost touch in 1986, Jana and I had been classmates at both University Middle School and Bloomington High School North and had many close mutual friends. I just finished looking through this beautiful memorial site and am so sad to learn of the pain and challenges she went through, but at the same time am happy to see that she lived her life to the fullest and had found a soul mate. My heart goes out to the family and friends of such a wonderful, beautiful and inspirational woman.

David Carruthers added this message on July 27, 2010:

My heart goes out to Dan and to Jana's family. Jana was one of my first friends when we both arrived in San Diego, and an adored colleague at SDSU. As we struggled in tandem through the early years of our careers, Jana was a reliable anchor and touchstone, always there to provide perspective, grounding, and wise advice. It is hard to believe now how many years it's been since we first met, but it was not nearly enough. Jana was a beautiful, intelligent woman, a gifted educator, and a kindred spirit. I will miss her terribly. These last few years were unfair and hard for Jana and for Dan, but there is some solace in knowing that her pain has come to an end. Jana, you leave behind a massive hole, but a lot of lives you touched and a lot of people who loved you. Dan, I cannot imagine your grief, yet in this site you have created a remarkable tribute to a short but full and wondrous life, and your beautiful love. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Mary G. Sannwald added this message on July 27, 2010:

I remember the conversations about families, the Midwest, your insistence that your students learn, and life in general.

May you find the peace and comfort you deserve.

Mary

Tiffany Bergfeld added this message on July 27, 2010:

Jana, I was so saddened to hear from Jim that you are gone, having left this earth with so many wonderful memories, but knowing that your pain is gone. I met you years ago as the sister of one of my dearest and truest friends and was so thankful that you were so accepting of me as a person. I know that Jim will miss you terribly but the relationship the two of you shared will remind him daily of what a very special person you were.
I am so fortunate to have had the privilege of talking with you and traveling with you. You were a remarkable, intelligent, caring woman to those who knew you and you will live on in our hearts with the way you touched us.
Thank you for what you gave us while you were here. you will never be far from our thoughts.
To you, Jim and your parents and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the life of your remarkable sister, daughter and friend.

Kristy Gladfelter added this message on July 27, 2010:

I am grief stricken at the loss of my dear friend. I can only take solace in the memories of so many wonderful times we shared. Jana was strong, smart, loyal and intensely honest. She also had a wickedly funny sense of humor, a refreshing sense of humor that even terminal illness could not take away. She had a unique ability help you cut through nonsense and find the truth in any situation. I will miss her perspectives on life and the long talks that rendered time unimportant.

To Dan, the best companion Jana could have ever asked for, I second her wish for a life full of love and health. You are a good man and deserve only the best.

To Jim, she could not have loved you more- your relationship meant everything to her. I can only hope my own children will have the type of friendship you shared.

To Jana, I already miss you desperately. I feel blessed to have had you in my life.

Margot Harrison added this message on July 27, 2010:

I went to high school with Jana in Bloomington, and then we went our separate ways to different colleges. I remember Jana as our Midwestern answer to the Ione Skye character in the movie Say Anything. She was bright -- valedictorian! -- beautiful, and totally modest and unpretentious.

It is with great sadness, but also interest and admiration and sometimes joy, that I read the words from Dan and Jana and view the photos on this site. It's a window into the life of a bright, bold woman I wish I had known longer and better. Like Jana, I spent years teaching college. The words from her students are deeply inspiring. Looking at the images from her travels, I see a life that was rich, though far too short.

And I remember to value each moment of my own. Thank you, Dan, for this beautiful tribute. You and Jana's family will be in my thoughts.