As an expression of sympathy,
contributions may be made to:
American Cancer Society
or similar organization of your choosing
Janet Leslie Feller of Fresh Meadows, NY, passed away on January 11, 2021 at the age of 69 years old. She was born in the Bronx, NY on June 25, 1951. She was the loving and adored daughter of Bernice and Abraham Fein and sister to Debbie Fein.
Janet grew up with a large extended family at Rochambeau Gardens in the Bronx. One of her cousins wrote, “Of all the 13 cousins, Janet was “the nicest, fairest and most genuine.” Janet never changed.
Janet met her lifelong partner, David, at a young age on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were married on June 6, 1976 at the Fresh Meadows Jewish Center and had 44+ beautiful years together. They raised two wonderful sons, Eric and Andrew, who adored their mother; she was truly their best friend.
Janet graduated from Evander Childs HS in the Bronx. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University and an MSW degree in Social Work from New York University. Upon graduation, Janet began a highly successful career as a psychotherapist where she provided emotional support to countless numbers of children and adults. She spent the first part of her career with the Queens Child and Guidance Center and for the past twenty + years has been in private practice, with an office located at her residence. Janet was highly sought after as she treated all with endless patience, dignity, and respect. She was non-judgmental and made anyone in her presence feel at ease from the moment they met her. In fact, this was Janet’s way of interacting with all. She lit up a room with her smile, warmth, and genuine nature. She was truly loved and adored by anyone she met.
In addition to Janet’s physical and spiritual beauty, she possessed an amazing singing voice. In high school, she was a member of the highly selective, “All-City Choir” and sang at many religious and historical venues throughout the City. Janet’s love of singing continued into adulthood where she performed at many cabaret clubs. She especially enjoyed singing ballads and Broadway show tunes. For many years, she would release a CD during the holiday season which was a treasured gift to her friends, family, and fans.
Janet’s major love was spending time with David, Eric and Andrew. She loved attending Broadway shows. She also had a passion for large earrings and beauty products. The family’s annual summer vacations at the Sagamore Resort and Montauk were very important and special to Janet. Most of all, Janet loved people. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers (which Janet hated), to honor Janet’s memory, the family would encourage a donation to the American Cancer Society or a similar organization.
16205 Horace Harding Expressway
Fresh Meadows, New York 11365
718.445.0300
sinai@jewishfunerals.com
Some of my warmest family memories from childhood include Janet and her seemingly irrepressible smile and kindness. She was someone I always looked forward to seeing during family gatherings. She will continue to exist as part of our identity narratives. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Although I haven’t seen Janet in many years, I have very strong memories of her. With her bright smile, loving manner and genuine
warmth, it was easy to tell she was a woman of character and strength. My condolences go to her adoring family who will miss her immeasurably, will treasure their time together, and remember her for being such a special person.
Sending my condolences and love to the Fellers. Janet (my dads cousin) was always so bright and will be remembered that way. Love, Chelsey Fein
We are very saddened to hear of this significant loss. Our condolences go out to Bernice, Debbie and all of Janet’s family. She was an amazing and devoted wife, daughter and sister and will always be remembered that way. Our family is sending you all love and strength during this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing. -Gary, Sandi, Ross and Lauren Fein
We are very saddened to hear of this significant loss. Our condolences go out to Bernice, Debbie and all of Janet’s family. She was an amazing and devoted wife, daughter and sister and will always be remembered that way. Our family is sending you all love and strength during this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing. -Gary, Sandi, Ross and Lauren Fein
Janet was an extremely loving, generous, and talented person. Many of my fondest childhood memories are of the fun vacations, dinners, and shopping adventure my family had with Janet, Dave, Eric, and Andrew. I was so blessed to have Janet sing her beautiful songs at my bat mitzvah. Janet always remembered my birthday each year. She was a true friend who touched everyone she met. Words cannot express the deep feelings of sadness I have. My heart is with Dave, Eric, Andrew, Bernice, and Debbie. I love you Janet.
Janet my heart is broken. You are the best sister anyone could ever want. I don’t know how I am going to live without you. I miss you so much.
The loss of Janet to our family can only be described as heartbreaking. We are shattered by her untimely passing. She was one of Solette’s closest friends for more than half a century, first having met when they were freshmen at Hofstra. The stories they have from their college days of eating frenzies to dating guys are too innumerable to recite. She was the wife of Dave, one of Jeff’s closest friends for more than half a century since high school. The four of us journeyed through life together for many years. First as young married couples and then with the birth of our children: Eric, Andrew, Rachel and Emily. We spent many times together with our children taking them to the usual destinations and going on vacation together. After we moved to Florida some 30 odd years ago, the Feller family would come and stay with us and those times are forever in our memories. Janet was a beautiful, vivacious woman who had the gift of making those around her feel good. She was a thoughtful, kind and generous soul. She loved her family, she loved life and was a loving and loyal friend. It is not possible for us to imagine the world without her. She will live on in our hearts and thoughts forever. Our condolences to Bernice and Debbie for this terrible loss.
A LIFE WELL-LIVED; A SONG WELL-SUNG
(A dedication to Janet)
From earth to sky the birds do fly,
And in-between they sing.
And so our souls with equal goals
Embrace life, then take wing.
Some songs are short, yet never thwart
The beauty they convey.
While others, long, still move along
With rhymes that dare not stray.
But long or short, the comfort brought
Instills in us such pride,
That briefly we were graced with song
As memories abide.
Though songs may end, if God intend,
These words I’m quick to pen:
Its cadence stilled — a life fulfilled
And likely sung again.
Having collaborated with Janet for more than 12 years on all of her recordings, I can honestly say she was as genuine as they come imbued with a spirit as beautiful as her voice. I don’t blame God for reclaiming her for His heavenly choir as voices will never sound better!
Janet and I sang together a number of times…we sang at the Bellmore movie theater before the movie began when they had live performances.
Mason Senft was our voice coach. I believe her appointment was just before mine.
I have warm memories of Janet’s caring spirit.
David and Janet and their sons were our neighbors in Fresh Meadows for many years. We shared wonderful visits, life cycle events, holidays, and just chatting and waving coming and going.
In relocating to Boston we continued our friendship with calls, emails, cards,and visits. Whenever we came to New York we always visited David and Janet and it was as though we had never left.
Janet was such a sweetheart. She was always bubbly, friendly, empathetic, a wonderful listener, and full of suggestions.
We cannot imagine the world without Janet in it. The loss of our beautiful Janet is incommunicable.
Dear David,
As you know, Janet was a gem! Her smile and kind words were so very much appreciated. My vocal session with Mason followed your beautiful wife’s recording session. Also, your son Eric has videoed the annual piano recitals of my daughter Eleni’s students. We go back further than that because both my children attended the East Williston School District from kindergarten through twelfth grade where you were an outstanding department head.
I thought that Janet was improving from her accident and was shocked to learn she has departed. I am heart-broken by the loss of such a wonderful soul! Her memory will be eternal in my heart and mind! Surely, she is singing in heaven.
May God give you and your sons strength during this difficult time.
With deep sympathy,
Georgia Kaufman
It’s so hard to imagine a world without Janet. We have been friends for so long. We must go back about 36 years. It was wonderful being her friend. She always radiated immense warmth, kindness and most of all love. She loved life and her family. Her beauty will live on in our hearts and will make us appreciate life more than ever. Our deepest sympathy.
Love,
Pauline and Jay Gould