Janet Rothdeutsch came into the lives of the Ryan family when she started going out with our brother, Ed Ryan. My impressions of Janet tumble out into a portrait of a beautiful young woman, snazzy and savvy. I can see her arriving at our house in her Corvair, dressed like she stepped off a page from Mademoiselle. That was the first picture, but it was immediately followed by an awareness of her gentleness and a kind of wonder she revealed. Her curiosity could always outrun her sense of reserve, thankfully, because in our family there was plenty to be curious about. When Janet Rothdeutsch became Janet Ryan, in that moment she became a forever friend to each one of us, a bond that has always been firm and has brought the Ryan family more memories and joy than we could fully describe.
Her laughter, tongue-in-cheek remarks and her way of listening and keeping confidences was truly a gift. I’ve always been grateful that she came to us when she did, and that she stayed there, a formative influence and a true-blue friend. I cherish the memories of adventures with her (usually automotive) and escapades that left no doubt that a shrinking violet she was not. She was FUN in capital letters, the kind of fun that remains in your harder days when you need a memory to fall back on. Janet was proof that life is good. She was kind. Loyal. Smart. Brave. And mischievous. To Susan, Jennifer and Patrick: in your eyes and your lives I see those characteristics, do I ever! The wonder, the bravery, the humor, the smarts. You are blessed, the way your Mom always felt about being your Mom.
Thank you, Jansie. I’ll aways remember your frequent question, “Why are you guys doing that?” That was the beginning of a beautiful ride-along.