Janet Louise (Kania) Clancy

Janet (Kania) Clancy 1951-2024

Janet Louise (Kania) Clancy, age 73  , beloved wife of 50 years to L. Michael Clancy, passed away on Monday February 12th.  Jan was born January 2, 1951, in Fredonia, NY, to the late Chester F. and Jane (Slate) Kania.  She attended elementary school in Fredonia, middle school in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and then moved with her family to Ledyard, where she graduated as valedictorian of her Ledyard High School class of 1968.  She attended UCONN, where she graduated with honors in 1972.  She earned a Masters in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island in 1989  and a Masters of Technology Education from the University of Hartford in 2004.

Jan worked as the school library media specialist at Mary Morrisson School in Groton for 16 years, where she helped establish the technology program, and worked 6 years at Robert E. Fitch High School.  Jan was voted the 2005 Teacher of the Year by her fellow teachers at Mary Morrisson School. 

After retiring, Jan dedicated a number of years volunteering in Preston.  She was a member of the Library Board and Friends of the Library, the Preston Historical Society and Board of Education Chairperson.   As well, she was an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church as a lector for close to 40 years and serving on the Parish Council for many years.   In addition, she volunteered for the Connecticut State Services for the Blind

Jan loved crafting of many kinds, and especially baking and reading.  She also was a New York Football Giant fan who enjoyed watching games with her husband Mike and would watch games to completion wether they were winning or losing.

Jan is survived by her loving husband Mike, her eldest son Thomas (and his children, Charlie and Teddy) and her younger son John (and his children, Emma and Benjamin).  She is also survived by her sister Ellen Kania, brother’s David and Gerry Kania, and several nieces and nephews. 

More than any of the activities, she loved everything and anything about her husband, sons, and extended family.   However, her biggest and greatest love was for her four grandchildren who meant everything to her.  She developed an extremely close relationships with all of her grandchildren and treasured her time spent with them.  

Janet had battled breast Cancer since 2013.  She had gone through a number of treatments and was a true trooper during this difficult time.  At the time of her passing she was surrounded and held by her husband and two sons.  Although this is sad, Jan knew she was loved and was on her way to meet her Lord. 

The family would like to thank the Hospice staff, all friends, neighbors, family members and others who took the time to send well wishes, words of encouragement, flowers and other keep’s sake memorabilia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 24, 2024, 10am, at St. Catherines Church in Preston.  Interment will follow at Preston City Cemetery.

Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home of Griswold, CT has been entrusted with the arrangements.  For online condolences please go to www.gagnefuneralhome.com

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