Domini added this message on July 29, 2010:

I never had the honor of meeting Jana personally. I can see that she lived an extremely full life. She obviously touched so many and will continue to inspire many more in the future. I would like to thank Dan for allowing me to get a glimpse of their very special life together.
Domini

Girish Vitalpur added this message on July 29, 2010:

I knew Jana from 1988 through 1993. She was one of my few friends from my college days. We sat through graduation together in 1990. She brightened my time in Holland, college and early medical school. Most importantly, I am fortunate to have known a woman who was smart, liberated, independent, and above all, brave. She was herself, not confined by anyone else's expectations. I will remember her radiant smile, our conversations, her wit, and her close connection with her family. She will be missed.

Martin Weinberg added this message on July 29, 2010:

I am so saddened to hear of Jana's death. As a sociology professor at Indiana University, I came to know her well and always had great admiration and fondness for Jana. My condolences to Dan and to her family. I know she will be deeply missed by many people.

Betty Held added this message on July 29, 2010:

To my dear cousin's Jim. Patrica and little Jim.
So sorry to hear about Jana. Reading and looking at all her pictures, she seemed to have enjoyed life to the fullest. All her travels and adventures one could only wish they could have done and seen what she did. Her accomplishments in her work left a lasting impression on many people I'm sure. She will live on through those she touched. You raised a beautiful daughter. God Bless Jana and your family.

Mark Chavez added this message on July 28, 2010:

Being a neighbor to Dan and Jana, I was fortunate to not only know them, but to witness their relationship on a daily basis. May we all be so fortunate to experience the unconditional love and grace that they have.....

Rest in PEACE Jana, your spirit lives through Dan :-)

Rick Hipes added this message on July 28, 2010:

Although I never had the opportunity to know Jana in person, I had the opportunity to know her a little thru her loving brother Jim. I could hear and see the deep love that Jim had for his sister during our long conversations about the things she enjoyed and her dedication to her profession. God has put eternity in our minds and our hearts (Ec 3:11), rest peacefully Jana. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dan and all of the Pershing family. Thank you for sharing Jana's life with the rest of.

Luciana added this message on July 28, 2010:

I'm a neighbor of Jana and Dan. I had the opportunity to have Jana over in our house for a fight night. She was really excited about the fight. I remember how smart she was.. I really admired her education and passion. I wish we had spent more time together. I love the pictures on this site, since it shows us all sides of her life.
But the thing I remeber the most is her relationship with Dan. I love the way he cared for her, even before her cancer diagnosis. A true partner and an amazing person, just like her.

Yeol Huh & Dabae Lee added this message on July 28, 2010:

Although we have never had a chance to meet Jana in person, we could imagine how wonderful and lovely person she is by just getting to know with her wonderful parents (Dr. Pershing & Mrs. Pershing) for years. Now looking at your life in pictures and words from your family, friends and colleagues, we are more certain that she was the best child for parents, best sister for little brother, and best friends and colleagues for others. We know that she will be remembered, missed, and loved by all of us forever. May she rest in peace.

Judy Howard added this message on July 28, 2010:

I knew Jana from her years in graduate school at the University of Washington. I was the director of our graduate program for a number of years, and through that position, I came to know all of our graduate students quite well. Jana was exceptional in so many ways. I always felt a certain protectiveness for her genuineness of spirit. It’s not that Jana couldn’t protect herself –as you know, she could do so very well. It’s that I hated to see someone with such conviction and sincerity have to see and deal with some of my colleagues who do not share those attributes. The academy has its great sides. But it also has its dark sides, and one cannot be a graduate student without seeing them. Jana is one of those who has made it well more than worthwhile.

I never had the chance to meet Dan, but it is so clear from this beautiful website that the two of you have had a remarkable relationship, a relationship that is a gift, and that I know meant the world, literally, to Jana, especially in these past difficult years.

The world was dimmed when Jana left it.

Judy Howard

Alec House added this message on July 28, 2010:

Although I met Jana only briefly a few times, it was clear to me she was an amazing woman. I'm very sorry that she had to live with so much pain.

Dan was my business partner for many years, and what a wonderful person he is as well. His devotion to her was tremendous.

My deepest condolences to all of you who loved her.