Li Janes

Li Janes passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. She was born in Tartu, Estonia on November 8, 1928, the daughter of Johannes and Marta Soot, and lived most of her younger years in Parnu, Estonia. Like thousands of other Estonians, she and her mother fled the country during World War II and were war-time refugees. She eventually immigrated to the United States in 1949.

She graduated from Rhodes School and New York University, both in New York City. Li lived the past few years in the Crane’s Mill senior living community in West Caldwell, NJ. She previously lived in Livingston, NJ where her children graduated from high school. She worked at the investment firm J.B. Hanauer for many years.

Li was an Estonian through and through and was proud of her heritage and culture. She loved time with her family, and was a fan of crossword puzzles, mahjong, reading, ancient history, flowers, gardens and challenging her family with Jeopardy! clues. It is worth noting that she usually knew more of the Jeopardy! answers than everyone put together. She will be remembered for her unwavering optimism, sense of humor and sunny outlook on life.

Li was predeceased by her husband Valdur F. Janes, her parents and her brother Juhan. She is survived by her son Jaan Janes, her daughter-in-law Monica, grandchildren Morgan and Ben, son Andrew Janes and grandchildren Kara and Owen.

The family plans a celebration of Li’s life in the spring of 2023 in an outdoor, uplifting setting she and her family and friends would enjoy.

In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations can be made in her memory to the “Estonian American National Committee” and mail to Leelo Linask, EANC Executive Director, 16 Pepperidge Rd, Monroe, CT 06468, or to the “Presby Memorial Iris Gardens” and mail to Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair, New Jersey 07043.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.quinnhoppingfuneral.com for the Janes family.