Kenneth Creech added this message on July 26, 2010:

I was saddened to hear about Jana's passing, but I believe she is in a better place, where she is no longer burdened by her pain. Jana was an amazing professor and I was inspired by her daily in class. She helped me to gather my thoughts and desires for my own classes, which I will use for many years to come.

When I think back on San Diego State, I will always remember Jana, and I know I am certainly not the only one who will do so with fond memories of the time we spent with her.

Thank you Jana for all that you were and all that will be done in your memory,

Kenneth

Erni Shonholz Mann added this message on July 26, 2010:

Jana you have been an inspiration since a child. A good hearted person along with incredible woman. Most of us didnt even understand how to be such an amazing person, and we simply stood back and watched with "ah". Now in seeing your path after high school, you still have a profound effect on many.

Its been years that I didnt get to see or benefit from a personal contact, however you are certaiinly one of the otp characters in my life that I will always remember and be influenced to be a better person.

I take your causes to heart, and vow to support them for many reasons, but certainly in honor of you.

Our hearts are with you and any loved ones.

Richa (Reed) Muhammad added this message on July 26, 2010:

I am usually pretty creative and expressive, but now...I can't think of anything coherent to say except, Jana, I love you and miss you.

Unfortunately, Jana and I lost contact when I moved to California in high school, so all of my memories are from our childhood.
Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
When I hear Jana's name or see her picture, I go right back to my childhood and I feel a sense of innocence, pure happiness, a feeling that life is forever.

I am so relieved and happy to know that she had love in her life. Dan is a blessing and I know that God will bless him for caring for and loving Jana so completely.

It is sad that it takes death to realize what is really important in life. This is Jana's last gift to me (and to us) as I will now be more passionate about what is really important to me.

Thank you Jana for being my friend. I love you. I miss you.

Richa

Michael Gardner Jr. added this message on July 26, 2010:

It is truely a sad day when we loose someone so young and precious in spirit. Having not spent much of Jana's adult life with her, I can only remark on my memories of her sweet shy demeanor as a young girl. When Jana shared her voice it was always thought provoking and intentional. I am heartbroken to hear of her passing, but know that she is no lnger suffering and in a better place. Bless you Dan for your comfort, love and support for Jana. You clearly brought her much joy and I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless Jim, Patricia, Jimmy, and family, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved Jana.

Laura A. Frick added this message on July 26, 2010:

Jana you were a good friend and I will miss you. Our friendship was not during the happier times in our lives but we still shared many special hours together getting to know each other in our time together in Kansas City, MO. I fondly remember many of our discussions about life, family, finance, college, jobs, travel, the past and a hopeful future. One of my happiest memories was the day I brought you a big piece of dessert from the KS Cheesecake Factory. We were trying to be so good about not eating sugar and I was glad you enjoyed it!

Jana you were helpful to me in my healing journey and I will miss you, your voice, your jokes, and the special way you looked at life. I will remember you the rest of my life. I'm sorry we didn't have more time together. Rest in peace my wonderful friend.

Anna Bellatorre added this message on July 25, 2010:

I am torn with the news of Jana's passing. I am immensely sad that the world has lost such a wonderful person, educator, and friend. However, knowing that the last year and a half of her life were wrought with pain, I am happy to know that she is finally at peace.

Jana taught me what it means to be human. In her suffering, I was learned the depths of her grace and compassion. Her ability to find humor in tragedy was awe inspiring. Despite her illnesses, Jana never missed a day of work, nor failed to finish her course prep work even though she was in pain, suffering from insomnia, and had issues with food and water consumption.

As a teacher, Jana personified both professionalism and caring. As a friend, she was one of the most genuine people I had ever met and my heart is breaking at the thought of her loss.

I am sad that I will never again get to hear her voice or say "goodbye" to my friend. I hope that those who read this know what a wonderful person the world has lost. I'm reminded of a line from Shawshank Redemption:

"Sometimes it makes me sad, though... Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend."

Rest in Peace Jana <3

Much Love,
Anna Bellatorre

James H. Pershing (Jimmy to my big sister) added this message on July 25, 2010:

Jana was the best sister a brother could ever hope for. She is and will always be my lifelong best friend. From my earliest childhood memories I remember nothing but love for Jana. We loved one another unconditionally and truly enjoyed each other's company. We never ran out of things to discuss and we supported each other throughout our lives. We were as close as two siblings could be. Words cannot capture how I feel about Jana nor convey my sense of grief and sadness. Throughout her battle against lyme and cancer, Jana never lost her spirit and compassion. She suffered in tremendous pain, more than any person should have to endure. She is the strongest person I have had the privilege of knowing and loving. Jana was the most important person in shaping who I am today. I love her so much and truly wish my children had been given more time to experience the glorious and lovely Aunt they have lost. Jana tried to teach me one last lesson as she battled cancer. She insisted I take stock of my life and cherish it, live each day to fullest. I only hope to convey to my children some of the wonderful lessons Jana taught me, the most important being unconditional love and support. I am so relieved Jana is no longer suffering, but I will always have a hole in my heart that aches for my big sister. I want to thank Jana for being the best sister and friend a brother could hope for, I am truly blessed for having you in my life. I love you. Your brother and best friend forever, Jimmy

Dan Blanchett added this message on July 25, 2010:

I wanted to get the ball rolling with the guestbook even though I wrote a eulogy and more in this memorial site. Quite simply, Jana was my life, and I will miss her more than I can now bear. I am hopeful that she is at peace and in a wondrous place, and that gives me some peace as well. I hope everyone will take a moment to share their thoughts and memories of Jana. She touched a lot of people, and we will all miss her.