Janet Mary Panconi

Janet Mary Panconi, 72, was born January 24, 1941 In Perth Amboy, New Jersey to Julius and Bernice (Cyktor) Panconi. She died May 6, 2013 in Rogue River, Oregon. On that day all of the lilacs were in bloom.

Janet grew up in New Jersey and graduated from St. Mary's High School, class of 1958. A lifelong believer in education, she enrolled in Monmouth University, New Jersey following graduation and earned her degree in 1962. She was very proud of this accomplishment and felt that a part of her heart remained always at Monmouth College.

In 1962 Janet joined the Peace Corps. She received her Peace Corps training at Purdue University and served for three years in Chile. She organized a women's cooperative in Chile and, with sewing machines provided by the Peace Corps, taught the women to use the machines and to sell their products. Janet enjoyed her time in the Peace Corps immensely and made many lifelong friends. She loved working with the Chilean people and developed a deep appreciation of Hispanic culture. She also became fluent in Spanish. For the rest of her life she enjoyed the colors, rhythms, and flavors of Latin America.

When her time in the Peace Corps ended, Janet enrolled at the University of New Mexico where she earned a Master's Degree in Bilingual Education. Her language and teaching skills were so strong that, upon graduation, San Diego Unified School District immediately appointed her to a Bilingual Education teaching position. She taught for SDUSD for 25 years. In 1981 Janet earned a PdD in Psychology from the University for Humanistic Studies in San Diego. During this period she also owned and operated, in partnership, the Chelsea Book Store in Ocean Beach, California.

Janet retired from full time teaching In 1999 but continued to substitute teach occasionally until 2012. In retirement she divided her time between Rogue River, Oregon and Borrego Springs, California. She loved the warmth and beauty of the Borrego Springs desert. In Rogue River she enjoyed horses, chickens, dogs, cats and lots of gardening. She even learned to drive a horse and buggy!

A born traveler, Janet spent a summer in Europe before beginning her teaching career. In her camper she visited many parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada. She was a gifted photographer, particularly of nature, capturing many of the places she visited.

Photography, music, weaving, cooking, fishing--all were passions. Janet had a wonderful spaghetti and meatballs recipe and she liked to experiment with new dishes. Her most recent culinary explorations involved vegetarian and vegan cooking. She had a small boat and loved to boat and fish on the Rogue River or the Oregon lakes.

Spanish style weaving was a hobby and she made many colorful blankets and rugs. And she especially loved music and played both the guitar and the violin. She sang and played a particularly beautiful version of 'Spanish Is A Loving Tongue,' as sung by Ronnie Gilbert.

A lifelong member of the Democratic Party Janet liked to read and study the news and current events. She never lost her faith in the power of education to improve lives. This was a central theme in her life.

Janet is survived by Jean Todd, her companion of forty years, her brother Thomas Panconi, niece Catherine Panconi, and nephews Thomas Panconi, Jr. and Matthew Panconi, all of New Jersey, grandnieces and nephews, and many close friends who consider her family. Not to be forgotten is her much loved schnauzer Attie.

Sincere thanks to Lovejoy Hospice in Grants Pass, Oregon for their compassion, understanding and support. Memorial donations in Janet's name may be made to Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Lovejoy Hospice in Grants Pass, Oregon, or the Peace Corps. No formal services are planned at this time.