Janice E. Beales

Born on March 28, 1946 in Rochester, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lewis M. and Grace (Costich) Phinney.

On Sept 2, 1967, she married the late Duane V. Beales; together they made their home in Gasport, NY.

Janice received both her bachelor's and master's degrees at the State University of New York College at Buffalo.

Janice was an elementary teacher for over 38 years for kindergarten, first and second grades. Though she taught very young children, several of her former students would honor her by inviting her to their high school graduation parties or weddings as “their favorite teacher.”

She was a long-time member of the Medina United Methodist Church, serving on the Advisory Board, Pastor Parish Committee, teaching Vacation Bible School, and sing in the Folk Choir and Church Choir. More recently she was a member of the Pendleton Center United Methodist Church, where she sang in the Church Choir.

She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, Single Mingles-Lockport; the Eastern Niagara Co. Retired Teachers association, and NYS Retired Teachers Association. After retirement from teaching, she volunteered at Charles A. Upson Elementary School, Lockport. She was a former member of the Dale Association; the YMCA of Lockport; Lockport College Club; and the Lockport Chorale. Janice was an avid ballroom dancer who studied with Jackie George at Brounshidle Post and other location. She loved reading, crafts shows concerts, plays, musicals and movies. She took special pleasure in the pets she and her husband shared for many years: their dogs, Ginger, Missy, Benji, and Teddy; and cats, Muffin and Snowball.

She is survived by a sister Carolyn Phinney Rankin of Rochester; nieces and nephews, Keith William (Michele) Rankin of Rochester; Kirsten Rankin (Stephen) Murawski of Mansfield, MA; Lewis Bayard (Maureen) Phinney of Wilmington, DE; Asheton Phinney of Wilmington; DE; Grandnieces and Grandnephews, Sophia Murawski; Anna Rankin; James Murawski; Grayson Rankin; Taran Phinney; Galetea Phinney, two uncles, Carl (Marie) Phinney of Lockport and Craig (Diane) Phinney of Columbia, SC, and a sister-in-law, Betsy Phinney of Medina, also much beloved cousins and friends.

Besides her husband Duane, she is predeceased by her brother, Milford Lewis Phinney II.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, September 5, 2014, from 4 PM- 7 PM at the Bates & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Medina United Methodist Church, 11004 W. Center St. Extension, Medina, NY 14103.

Janice will be buried in a family plot at the Millville Cemetery next to her husband, mother, father, and brother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to: Save-A-Pet, PO Box 114, Newfane, NY 14108. Or to: Medina United Methodist Church, 11004 W. Center St. Extension, Medina, NY 14103. Or to: Pendleton Center United Methodist Church, 6864 Campbell Blvd, N. Tonawanda, NY 14120.