Janet Ann McIver DeRoche

Janet passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY with her loving family by her side. She had struggled for nearly a year with the after effects of a stroke, severe osteoporosis and a very recent diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma.

Janet was born on Staten Island, NY, December 28, 1928 to Kenneth and Annie (Murdoch) McIver. She graduated from Port Richmond High School and Magna Cum Laude from Wagner College. She married Kenneth A. DeRoche in 1961 and began her teaching career at PS 40 on Staten Island. In the mid-1960s Janet and Ken moved to Franklin, NY to raise beef cattle. Janet began her “upstate” teaching career in Meridale NY, where she taught kindergarten, first and second grade in the same classroom, a stark contrast to her first teaching years! Following her time in Meridale, she taught fifth and sixth grades in Treadwell at the AL Kellogg School. Following the consolidation of districts, she taught 6th grade at Delaware Academy and Central School in Delhi, where she remained until her retirement in 1988. One of her greatest joys was the accomplishments that she saw her students achieve and the highlight of every year was the production that was International Day. Recently she met a former student who told her that she was his greatest teacher – because she had taught him to think for himself. She regarded that as the highest praise of all.

Janet was also an accomplished pianist who played everything from classical to modern, and shared her talents in a variety of venues. She loved to play for her family, for customers at the Hidden Inn, at Plymouth Church in Walton, NY, at Gordonsville Presbyterian Church in Gordonsville, VA; and at the Gordon House Retirement Home. Sing-alongs were always encouraged.

Janet had a true zest for life, and adventure. She and Ken were fortunate to be able to travel all over the US and the world (Scotland, Australia, and Russia, in addition to several cruises) after retiring from farming. One of her favorite spots was the Blue Ridge, where she loved to visit with her granddaughter Meredith during school vacations. Janet made life-long friends wherever she went. She loved to play board and card games and was a formidable Scrabble adversary. Trips to a variety of casinos were highlighted by her propensity for winning. One of her fondest wishes was to ride a Harley, which she accomplished at the age of 81! Recently Janet and Ken had moved back to Franklin, NY from their home in Louisa, VA, in order to be closer to family.

Janet is survived by her husband Kenneth of nearly 54 years and their three children: Jeanne and her husband Dennis Maine of Elmira, NY; Kenneth and his wife JoAnn DeRoche of Sidney Center, NY; and Margaret (Meg) and her husband Joe Shivers of Franklin, NY. Janet is also survived by her brother Kenneth N. McIver and his wife Grace of Scotia, NY; her sister-in-law Elise Grabe of Live Oak, FL, and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24th at the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home in Franklin, NY. Her funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25th at Hobart Presbyterian Church in Hobart, NY, with Rev. Bert More officiating. Burial will follow at the Ouleout Valley Cemetery in Franklin, NY.

The family gratefully declines flowers and requests those who wish to remember Janet with a memorial gift consider the Franklin Emergency Squad, Gordonsville Presbyterian Church (Gordonsville, VA), or a charity of your choice. Sincere thanks to the many friends who supported and cared for Janet and her family. Special thanks to ALL of our caregivers and Around the Clock who have made it possible for Janet and Ken to live happily in their own home. Thank you as well as Dr. Riaz Lone and the many compassionate health care providers at Bassett Hospital.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.bennettfh.com.

Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.