Remembering Janet Neigh
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| Janet E. Neigh |
Janet was NAHC's longest tenured employee; she was our anchor. Janet and I have known each other and worked together for more than 40 years, beginning when she joined the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging in 1969. Throughout the years, Janet became a fierce and forceful advocate for hospice and did more than anyone to shape hospice policy.
Janet participated in the NAHC Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, CA which began Sunday, October 11 and ended on the morning of Wednesday, October 14. It was her plan to spend a few extra days shopping, seeing the sights, and enjoying the sunshine. We were notified on Saturday, October 17 that she had passed away in her sleep. Obviously, this is a great loss for all of us. She was such an important and valued member of our team. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts that will not easily be filled.
We know that you share our sense of loss, and invite you to share your thoughts and memories of Janet. As Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross reminded us all, "death is part of life; it gives life definition and value." No one used their life in a better way for the betterment of society. May God rest her soul and bring comfort to her family.
Val J. Halamandaris
President, National Association for Home Care & Hospice
Celebration/Memorial Service
On behalf of Janet's son Christopher, daughter-in-law Gina, and granddaughter Tori, I would like to invite each of you to attend a Celebration/Memorial Service for Janet Neigh this Saturday, November 7 from 3-5p.m. The location is as follows:
Brookside Gardens Visitors Center
1800 Glenallan Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20902-1369
(301) 962-1400
Click here for a map of the Brookside Gardens property. Directions and additional information are available online at www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/visit_hours_directions.shtm.
I know it would mean a great deal to Janet and her family to have most of you there. In order to plan for food and other items, please RSVP your attendance plans to Rachelle Sharrer at rds@nahc.org by Wednesday, Nov. 4. This service will be a beautiful tribute to one of our own pioneers and beloved NAHC family members.
:: Add your Tribute!
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"I've just learned of Janet's passing. I've been out of the hospice field for a few years and had no way of knowing about this tragic loss. Janet was such a champion for hospice care and a special friend to volunteer hospices across this country. I valued her as a mentor and friend. To Janet's family - my heartfelt prayers are with you."—Mary Ellen Walsh
"I worked with Janet on HSA's newsletters when I was an employee of NAHC in the early '90s. She had very high standards, standards that were rooted in a love for her work and her desire to alleviate pain and provide comfort. Her achievements on behalf of those she served are testimony to her dedication and stand as a reminder of a life lived with purpose."—Terri D'Arrigo
"Janet embodied the words of Mother Theresa: There is joy in transcending self to serve others. All of us at THA Group will miss Janet but are comforted by her life well lived. "—Ellen Bolch
"We will miss Janet deeply. Janet's commitment and passion, along with the commitment and passion of all of the members of the NAHC staff, have made a huge impact on each of us, on our agencies, and on our profession. She will live on with us for many years through the legacy she has left behind."—Stephen Tweed
"Dear Christopher and Gina I have known your mom for over and 25 years and have had the honor to work with her on many worthwhile Hospice projects but I will always remember her as one of my great friends. She was just a woderfull person and was so proud of her family and spoke very highly both of you and especially Tori. Your mom was one of the most dedicated people I know, her love for hospice and the people that worked in the industry was overwhelming. Her last words to me in Los Angeles was to thank me for what I had done for Hopsice specifically this past year. That was your mom always thanking everybody when it was really her who was the heart and soul of Hospice within NAHC. Over the years I had some great times with your mom both on a work and social level and she always made me laugh. The loss of a loved one is always difficult especially when it is a parent but from experience they are always there looking over you and the family and do not be afraid to reach out when you feel you need to talk to her she will always be listening. I will miss your mom and her smile everytime I go to the NAHC office or a conference but I do know she will always be there with us and in her own way guiding us in the right direction. I hope to see you in Maryland tomorrow at the Memorial Service so that I can express to you in person what a wonderful woman your mom was. A Friend of Janets"—Bob Simione
"In my office hangs a framed "Spiritual Impressionist Portrait" that Janet drew for me on the the occasion of my 50th Birthday. After she told me what it meant I ask to put together a written summary explanatory description so on the back of the portrait it reads: The first step in creating this impression was to choose the color of the background paper on which it would be drawn. In this case, the color green indicates several things: supportive of good health, "down to earth" personality and financial stability (green is the color of money. The first color applied to set up the drawing was burnt organge which is a color of endurance and "karma." That is, this is the way you plan your life. The four pink feather like or flower petal images represent you and your family. You and your wife are attached on the left-hand side and your children are the other two. Pink in this shade represents love and affection and security in your own identities. The fact that you are all the same color and essentially the same shapes moving in the same direction indicates very strong ties and , I believe, that your family is the most imnportant thing in your life. Each of the pink petals are outlined with a blue-green shade which represents healing and peacefulness. You each have a bit of black which indicates some sadness (you have the largest marking). The yellow, white and peach shades around each of you indicates endurance (peach),spirituality (white and yellow) and cheerfulness (yellow). The shape of each petal indicates flexibility and optimism in outlook. The white marking between you nad your wife is also a sign of spirituality in the relationship. The large "dragon" across the drawing represents, again, peace, thoughfulness and indecision. The brown on the bottom represents the erathly support inthis life and your "down to earth" approach to life. Hope this hits the mark, Happy 50th, Janet October 1992. I have and will always cherish this drawing by Janet as it did hit the mark. Christopher, Gina and Tory this drawing say it all about Janet as it shows her intuitiveness, thoughtfulness and intelligence. I was fortunate to be one of the NAHC staff to have dinner with Janet on Tuesday night, October 13 and reflect now how wonderful she looked and how happy she was laughing with us and exclaiming about the jewelry and in particular the beautiful scarf she had purchased in the Expo. I know Christopher that she could not have been any prouder of you and delighted to be a grandmother to Tori. My heart felt condolences to you and your family."—Ron Everly
"Janet was a valued colleague, with deeply felt convictions and a heart for the mission of homecare and hospice. She was a touchstone for so many of us. How I will miss being able to call her for her advice, counsel, brainstorming wisdom and her valuable, unwaivering beliefs! Janet had the remarkable gift of leading those around her to reach a higher standard than we thought possible. While often quiet in demeanor, Janet's positive impact on us as individuals -- and on those we serve-- will be felt far beyond this untimely passing. Janet, we will miss you greatly. "—Bonnie Hollenbeck
"My thoughts and prayers are with Janet's family and coworkers. Janet was so knowledgeable and always helpful. She was an advocate for Hospice and will be truly missed. She had a great sense of style and beauty. I will remember her beatiful smile. I pray that she has found peace and joy."—Janet Sullivan
"I was very shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the recent sudden loss of Janet. The Home Care and Hospice community has lost a good friend and influential leader who was passionate about its' causes. We've all gained by having known her through the years, and my heart and sincere prayers go out to Christopher, Gina and the entire NAHC family. With deepest sympathy"—Bill Thompson
"Janet's death is a deep personal and professional loss to so many of us. I first met Janet in 1991 when I came to work at NAHC. To be honest, her directness and no-nonsense approach at first scared me a little. But over time I came to know Janet better, first as a tireless worker on behalf of hospice, later as a person of significant depth and dimension, and finally as a friend. When I returned to NAHC in 1996 after a few years absence, my office was directly adjacent to Janet's. Janet was kind enough to "share" her foo dogs with me. They didn't seem to work very well at warding off evil ñ perhaps because Janet talked a vendor at the Arlington Flea Market significantly down on the asking price! As often happens in office life, Janet and I became sounding boards of a sort for one another. It was during this time that I was able to get to know her much better, and came to know the softer side of Janet. This particularly came out when Janet spoke of Christopher, who she has loved so deeply. Over the years I have known Janet, she never once spoke harshly about Christopher. Sometimes she would relay discussions in which she had been frustrated ñ I can still hear her relaying a conversation, saying, "And I said, WELL, CHRIS-to-pher.......!" Nor did she "gush." But the great effort and pride she had taken in raising such an intelligent, accomplished and good human being shone through. Janet's affectionate and tolerant side also shone through when she talked about the dog that she and Christopher chose to "raise." Prior to adopting Sheba, I had never thought of Janet as a "pet" person. Just another way in which Janet was to take me by surprise. There was no end to stories about what little Shebaís latest exploit had been. Janet took to being a grandmother as she did to being a mother and "companion" to Sheba ñ with grace, tolerance, a sense of humor, and great love. Her bond with Tori was immediate, clear, and unwavering. Her adult life had come full circle, and she enjoyed every precious minute she spent with Tori. I believe that wherever Tori goes, Janet will always remain close at hand. I always knew when Janet truly enjoyed a story as she laughed so hard that her eyes crinkled up and she started to tear. I can see her now with a tissue in one hand, wiping away those tears. It was a pleasure to see Janet like that, and always brought joy to my heart. That is how I will always picture her. Please know that we all share your loss. Janet will be missed."—Theresa M. Forster
"What a wonderful difference one single life made..."—Judy Adams
"I worked with Janet for 8 years at NAHC. Although we did not talk that often the times that we did were always very memorable. My 3rd and youngest child is about the same age as Janet's grandaughter, Tori, and we would compare notes on the joys of little girls aged 2-3. Her face would light up when this topic was discussed. I also remember seeing Janet when I brought in my middle child during a visit to the NAHC office during my maternity leave. Janet immediately grabbed his 6 week old hands and attempted a "reading". I remember her commenting on Nick's strength and drive. Her insights stuck with me to this day as I watch Nick compete in swimming and soccer. Janet had a "spirit" about her that made her very unique. I have felt honored to work with Christopher and Gina through this difficult situation. I feel, in a way, like I have gotten to know Janet better in her death than in her life. Through reading and compiling these tributes, talking with various staff to piece together Janet's last days and listening to the sorrow of some of her closest friends as they began to come to grips with the news has been an emotional journey for me. I have learned a great deal about Janet through this process--she was an amazing soul who touched many. Her legacy will live on--I am sure of it--and may we all be better having known her. I will cherish her memory and pray for peace and acceptance for Chris and Gina."—Rachelle Sharrer
"My heart is sad that you have left us. Janet was a wonderful advocate for Hospice. At every NAHC conference she made certain that Hospice was discussed. Over the years the name Hospice was added to the formal name. This brought joy and satisfaction for her. She introducted me to vintage and resale shopping and to the meaning of crystals. We were far from done with our trips and excursions and had hoped to plan one for the coming year. I loved you Janet. I pray your passing was in peace. Your friend Pamela."—Pamela Steding
"Janet was a gift to hospice providers everywhere. I sought her guidance because of her keen insight coupled with a patient focus. I will miss her wisdom and her passion. "—Barbara Ballard
"I have worked with Janet for the 4 years that I have been at NAHC. Janet was tireless in her work and support for hospice. Although she is no longer here in person, I frequently hear her pushing me to get things done for hospice, so in this way, her legacy lives on."—Denise Bonn
"I have known Janet since the early 1980's. We met while carpooling to our respective jobs on Capitol Hill. During those years, Janet would take Christopher to day care at the HEW building. I have vivid memories of Christopher in his car seat observing everything that he saw and asking his mother many questions. Janet answered all his questions thoroughly and treated Christopher as a young adult. She didn't talk down to him. She was always teaching him. I read a quote somewhere from Jackie Kennedy who said something to the effect that the most important job in life was to raise a child and if you did not do that well, nothing else really mattered. Janet raised a wonderful son that any mother would be proud to claim as her own. She was a truly devoted mother and it was all the more remarkable because she did this all alone. Christopher and Janet spent Thanksgiving with us all the intervening years. After Christopher married and spent Thanksgiving with Gina's family, Janet continued to spend each Thanksgiving with us. I last saw Janet last year at my mother's memorial service. At the reception after the service, she asked me if my parents danced. I said that they did in their younger years. She told me that while I was giving my remembrances of my mother, she saw my parents dancing around the altar. It was one of the most moving things that anyone said to me that day. I will always remember it because it will always remind me of what a spiritual person Janet was. She and and I had somethng in common. We grew in in Pennsylvania - about 10 miles apart. Although I did not know her then, I was privileged to know her all of these years. My thoughts are with Christopher and Gina at this trying time. Joan Janshego"—Joan and Bob Janshego
"Janet is the person who first drew me into NAHC and I have so appreciated her gentle yet insistent advocacy both for Hospice and for issues that have been dear to me. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Janet over the years. She was consistently patient, kind and committed to preserving and improving hospice. I will miss her very much and so too, I am sure, will the entire hospice community."—Timothy Boon
"Dear family of Janet, I was one of three of Janet's roommates in college and we have stayed in touch for 50 years. Janet and I were both of the Catholic religion and went to Church together during those years. Janet was seemingly quiet but very insightful. She had a really good sense of humor and a great laugh. At our 50th reunion in Pittsburgh this summer, it was she who suggested another reunion and plans were in the making. She loved her family and was thrilled to have a granddaughter. Janet was a very strong woman and only those who knew the circumstances of a woman's life in 60's and 70's could understand what I mean. We came from a generation that thought a college education for women was a waste of money. We came from a generation that gave college educated women two career choices...a teacher or a nurse. The four of us worked through all of our college years because loans and scholarships were just not there and we had siblings that were in line for a college education too. We worked for sixty five cents an hour and our freshman year costs were $300/semester including tuition, room and board. I am so proud to have been a friend of Janet's and extend my deepest sympathy to all of her family. Know that she loved all of you and spoke highly of you from her heart."—Andrea Matola Lauer
"Janet, was always warm, sincere and caring while providing detailed regulation supported answers.I will truly miss picking up the phone and getting Janet Neighour confident resource and friend.Harbors Home Health and Hospice"—Dee Thorp
"Janet was the Hospice community's "Anam Cara", or soul friend. She and her life's love will never be forgotten... And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, an invisible cloak to mind your life. (John O'Donohue)"—Kathleen Sullivan
"I will miss Janet's humor and insight. NAHC and everyone in home care are lucky that she devoted her life to making sure that home health services are available to everyone in need. We are all the beter for that. She lived a meaningful life that most of us only imagine. "—Peter Cobb
"Janet our beloved sister and sister-in-law lived her life to the fullest. She was a woman with remarkable courage, never afraid to be different. She was the strongest of the sisters and was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. Janet had a wonderful sense of humor. Her greatest sources of pride were Christopher for the past 33 years and Victoria (Tori). Gina was like a daughter to her and she was glad he found someone to share his life with so like her. She'll always be with us in our hearts and the family will never be the same without her."—Charles and Jane Neigh
"Christopher and Gina- I am so very sorry for your loss. Words cannot heal or make you feel any better. But, somehow the love, thoughts and prayers we are sending your way let you know that you are not alone in your grief. Janet and I worked a lot together over the last 10 or so years. During a 4 year period, when I was the HAA chair, we talked or emailed at least weekly, and at times daily. I cannot imagine NAHC and HAA without her. She was a brilliant and caring woman, of great passion and dedication. She taught me a great deal. In LA, we talked a lot, I attended a meeting with her, and we even spent some time shopping for jade jewelry. She found me in the crowd, took me to the vendor she had gotten to know, and she tried a few dozen pieces of Jade on me till she found just the perfect one! That was Janet- always looking out for those around her. A truly wonderful legacy she has left. We often spoke of you Christopher, and Gina and your little one. How proud she was of you and how much she truly loved each of you. She bragged about her granddaughter on every call we had and every time I saw her! She is now her guardian angel and will forever look out over her from above. I will hold a piece of her in my heart forever- and will hold each of you in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathies."—Carla Braveman
"Janet will be missed and will be remembered as a quiet but deliberate force in the home care and hospice industry. My thoughts and prayers are with Christopher and Gina. in sympathy and caring."—Jeannee Parker Martin
"My heart is saddened to learn of Janet's passing. I extend first of all my sympathies to Janet's family and personal friends. What a daily loss they will feel. To the rest of "us in the hospice world" we will miss Janet every time we experience a question/concern, need clarification, and seek guidance.. May we all take lessons from Janet's life of servant hood and advocacy... blessed be her memory.” —Lores Vlaminck
"It is with a great deal of sadness that I write this tribute. There was no one more passionate about hospice than Janet. Whenever I had a hospice question or issue, I always relied on Janet's advice and she was never wrong. When I would see Janet at meetings, she always had time to spend some personal time with me and I always appreciated that special time with her. She will be missed and her time with all of us was too short.”—Larry Leahy
"We here at 3HC can't imagine NAHC without Janet Neigh. What a legacy! Our condolences to her family and the NAHC family.”—Jean Whitfield
"From the family and friends of Metro Health Services, our thoughts and prayers are with your staff, her family and friends. She will be missed. Her smile will last is our hearts and lives forever.”—Naomi Moore
"Janet was an amazing person with a unique perspective ice and her family.”—Kate Colburn
"Janet has been a constant at NAHC during my 21 years as Executive Director of the Kentucky Home Health Association. While I did not work with her in great detail as I do not focus on hospice, I found her always to be upbeat during the worst of times, willing to be of assistance, full of information to share and so helpful on strategizing and problem solving. She will be missed! My sincerest sympathy to her family.. and her family at NAHC!”—Karen Hinkle
"Janet played her unique and often challenging role as a hospice champion in a home care organization with a remarkable mix of perseverance and grace. Like so many on this earth, she was a largely unsung hero. I know she's enjoying tremendous choruses now. I will miss her.”—Martha Tecca
"My heart goes out to Janet's family and friends, especially her NAHC family. She was a warm and caring person and I will miss her and her presentations at our Forum meetings. The jib jab piece that happened between her and Bill just last week in LA at our Forum of State's meeting put a smile on my face. She had a “witty” sense of humor. I was impressed with taste is clothing especially the beautiful scarves she wore. She was unique and a beautiful soul that I will miss.”—Kathleen Anderson
"Janet was one of my roommates in college, and we were fortunate enough to get together with our other two roommates this past summer. It had been the 50th anniversary year of our first meetings at IUP. She was a lovely person, a dear friend, and will be sorely missed by all of us. I am so blessed to have seen her before her passing. She was so proud of her son and excited to be a grandmother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.”—Kathy McBride
"It was my pleasure to work with Janet while I was at NAHC from 2004 – 2006. Janet always cared so much about others and truly loved working for hospice workers and patients. She was a kind and giving person who loved her family; I remember how proud she was of her son. She helped me not only on my countless work-related projects, but she also was eager to give advice wherever she could. She offered me countless suggestions about knitting. I once admired a scarf that she was wearing which she told me she made herself. The next week, not only did she buy me the yarn that she had made it from, but she made sure that I knew all the stitches to make myself one. Most of all, I remember how much she cared about hospice. It takes a special kind of person to work in hospice and an amazing person to fight for both hospice patients and workers. I am honored to have worked with her and know that her work has helped the lives of countless people. The industry and patients across the US were enriched by the work that she did and will continue to feel her presence long after her passing. All the best to her family and I will keep them in my prayers.”—Julie Fry
"My memory of Janet is how kind she was. I had the privilege to meet her and chat with her at on several occasions at NAHC meetings during my tenure as OCHCH President. She was always so very kind. I am shocked and saddened at her loss.”—Karen Thompson
"I am so very sad to hear of Janet's passing. She was always so helpful, and so friendly. I would run into her , looking at handcrafted jewelry-she had a flair for picking out unique pieces of jewelry. And it was fun to hear about her beloved granddaughter! I am thankful for the many years and wisdom she gave to the Hospice movement.”—Suzanne Van Loon
"To NAHC and the Neigh Family, it's been years since I worked at NAHC and talked to Janet but I remained shocked at the sad news. I'm confident that Janet's dedication to her work and the mission of hospice will live on.”—Mary Childress
"I am deeply saddened at the shocking news of the passing of Janet Neigh, who I had the pleasure of working with for several years at NAHC. Her passion for the entire hospice community was second only to her love of her family. I will be keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”—Judith O'Toole
"I've worked with Janet for more than five years. She was always helpful, knowledgeable, and respectful, and struck me as a very honest, gentle person. I last saw her on Tuesday evening, October 13, at the Caring Awards banquet. She was showing off a new and colorful shawl she'd bought at a booth set up in the NAHC Exhibit Hall. "Isn't it pretty?" she beamed, modeling it for several of us NAHC staffers. She seemed in good health, very happy and alive. It's a stunning and unexpected loss, yet another reminder to live each day to the fullest you can -- you really could be here one moment and gone the next. My sympathy and best wishes go out to Janet's family in this difficult time.”—Aaron Marsh
"I am very sorry to hear this. I remember seeing her at the Conference. My condolences to her family.”—Diane M. Drews
"There are no words to fill the void when a special person departs. We will all miss her and her infectious spirit. She was a very unique person with a true passion for hospice. Every tear we shed is a tribute to her and her legacy. My prayers are with her and her family.”—Michael Onett
"It's been more than 10 years since I worked with Janet at NAHC. I enjoyed her honesty and straight forward, no-nonsense approach to work and life. She and I always seemed to be thinking the same thing at the same time. Simple said, 'I will miss her.'”—Suzanne (Kieffer) Sellman
"One of the great things about working at NAHC was that everyone was very generous and people would bake on occasion (myself included)or bring in party leftovers for all to enjoy. So it was no surprise on the day of the annual holiday party that there were apples in the kitchen that I thought someone must have wanted to share; so I took one to enjoy at my desk. A short time later I heard Janet exclaim that someone had taken one of her apples. She was going to make a waldorf salad for the party and now she didn't have enough apples. She announced that she was going to look in every trash can in the office for an apple core. Upon hearing this I threw my half-eaten apple into a shoe that was one-half of a spare pair under my desk. Janet asked me and I only stated that I thought food placed on the kitchen counter was up for grabs. She eyed my trash (but not my shoes) and moved on to another potential suspect. Later that afternoon, after a glass of wine at the holiday party I called her aside and sheepishly told her I had something to tell her and I didn't want her to be mad at me. Janet listened to me, with a plate of food in hand as I told her I ate the apple and the remainder was still in my shoe under the desk to be disposed of the next work day. She laughed so hard that day! Janet was more than a supervisor to me. We even went on a trip to Mexico together. I will really miss her.”—Diane Pennington
"I have been blessed to know Janet. I believe that there are no coincidences in life. Our paths crossed through NAHC, but our connection was so much more. She was a special person who made a difference in my life and I know I am a better person for having known and loved her. I will miss her.”—Michele Quirolo
"I can only echo words that have been written and spoken about Janet's goodness and her gifts to all of us in her world. How special it is to me to have seen her at the meeting in Los Angeles and to have such a comforting recent memory of her in action. God bless.”—Lucy Lee
"Janet, It was a true pleasure to know you. You were the face, heart, and character of Hospice. May your family and friends find comfort in knowing all that you did to make this world a better place. God Bless.”—Brad Garpestad
"Our prayers and condolences go out for Janet's family and her NAHC family. I know she will be missed by the entire hospice community. Over the years I had called her many times and she always guided me thru the maze of hospice regulations. I will personally miss her.”—Umi Chahal
"Janet was my source of inspiration as I forged through the world of hospice. It was she who convinced me that I had something to offer the hospice community and I should pursue every avenue to share what she saw as my strength. My prayers and thoughts are with her family. Janet, I will continue to share your message and carry it forward.”—Susan Strauss
"Janet Neigh will be missed in the Hospice community! When there were new developments or issues in hospice, we all looked to see what Janet's perspective was on it. We realized that she would already have done her research and would give us recommendations on how to meet the new requirement. She was an inspiration to us all! Our condolences go out to her family, Christopher and Gina Neigh, and all who loved her!”—Rose Rosenberg
"So sorry for your loss. I was not a hospice provider, but attended NAHC functions, especially the policy conference and always appreciated her updates and passion for her specialty. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.”—Jeanette Mefford
"Janet Neigh was one of the kindest, most patient and supportive people I've ever had the privilege of working with. She was a persistent and determined advocate for the hospice program, with a quiet grace and undeniable integrity. She was also a mentor to me, giving me opportunities to contribute and grow as a hospice professional in ways I would not have otherwise thought possible. It was an honor to have worked with her, I will miss her terribly, and I hope that my work in hospice will in some small way be a tribute to her memory.”—Suzanne Rosenberg
"As I read the announcement tonight, my first reaction was shock and disbelief. We work in a profession that death is daily reminder of how we should live our lives. Often we forget this as we deal with the day to day challenges of our profession. Janet was a calm and gentle force in a sea of storms and misguided regulators. As late of last week I still have an email where she gently guided me with an issue that I was encountering with CMS. Janet would always end her emails with the love and passion of her profession, thanking you for furthering the mission. Val, Bill, Mary, Staff of NAHC, Christopher and Gina I am sad for your loss and for our industries loss of a most kind and gentle leader for Hospice. May we all carry on in the tradition she would want us, thank you Janet for your generosity of spirit and service to the dying, especially those most vulnerable including children. We will miss you!”—Gail Inderwies
"Janet's death represents a real loss to NAHC and the entire home care community. She was always available with information and her invaluable history and perspective on the hospice program. I know that others like me who work with affiliated State associations will miss her responsiveness and wealth of information.”—Rebecca Friedman Zuber
"To Val, and the entire NAHC Team, my sincerest condolences. And, to Janet's family, my heartfelt sympathy. I met Janet several years ago as I began becoming involved with NAHC. She was extremely intelligent, dedicated, and supportive--in fact, I was taken aback that someone at her level of responsibility within such a dynamic organization would graciously extend herself to a fledgling member. When sharing a meal with her at a NAHC function, it was delightful to be in the company of one so politically savvy, verbal, and engaging--she was simply "fun". It would always be a highlight to see her as a NAHC presenter at a conference; and, of course, one to enjoy seeing at a Conference with positive anticipation. It occurred to me that I had not seen her this time--and I felt a small loss, and paid particular interest to her absence. When reading NAHC's announcement regarding her sudden, untimely death, it felt shocking and surreal. It would be beautiful for all, when our "Time" is here--if we could all go peacefully in our sleep and not suffer....Janet's reward for an invaluable, impactful, and spiritually-based life of service.”—Laurie Edwards-Tate
"I had the great pleasure of meeting and working with Janet several times over the last several years and found her to be not only one of the foremost experts in her field, but a kind and beautiful person whose smile could light up a room; she will be missed all over the nation-my thoughts and prayers are with her family and co-workers!”—Paula Long
"Janet was one of the most approachable people I know. She was sincere, genuine, and a joy to be around. I appreciated her vast knowledge related to hospice; her ability to work with others in a positive manner. She will be greatly missed!”—Carolyn Neiswender
"I am in shock as I write this. Janet was a wonderful lady. She had a love of hospice and took wonderful care of all of us as providers. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy.”—Lois Schuller
"It is with great sorrow that I read today’s NAHC Report and learned of Janet Neigh death! For many years, when I had a question about hospice, I shot an email to Janet. She definitely “knew her stuff”! It was not at all uncommon that a post that I sent to the NAHC list serve would be answered by Janet, even if I hadn’t turned to her directly. What an amazing lady! I join the home care world in mourning her loss! My sympathies to her family, as well as her NAHC family.”—Serese Wiehardt
"Hearing of Janet's death made me gasp....I just saw her. It is amazing that though you may not know some of the NAHC staff on a "personal" basis, you feel like you do. Janet was always prompt to answer any questions we had regarding hospice. She has been at NAHC my entire home care career! My deepest sympathy to her family.”—Barbara Goodman
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