Janet Neiman

Janet Byrne Neiman passed away peacefully at her long-time home on the Upper West Side on May 4th 2025 at the age of 101. All who knew Janet treasured her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit. Janet was stoic, graceful and had a sharp sense of humour. She loved to paint, travel the world, and spend time with her loved ones including her late husband, LeRoy and their beloved dogs, Penny and Dolly.

Janet Catherine Byrne was born in 1924 and was raised in Chicago, Illinois by her mother Jeanette, her father Willard, along with her two younger brothers, William (Bill) and Robert (Bob). Being the older sister of two boisterous young boys, Janet had her work cut out for her as she attempted to teach them manners. When not corralling the boys, Janet designed stunning clothing for the paper dolls that she cut carefully out of the newspaper or played the piano. She attended Catholic high school and made life-long friends with whom she communicated her whole life. She attended Chicago Teachers College, however after a brief stint as a teacher, her love of drawing and design led her to attend classes at School of the Art Institute of Chicago(SAIC). Continuing her pursuit of a fashion-related career, Janet went to work at Carson Pirie Scott in their advertising department, creating the copy for their fashion sales. Ultimately, she became the director of the group, selecting the artwork that would grace the sales circulars and newspapers. One day, a new artist brought some drawings in for her inspection, and decided that she was the one for him – that was LeRoy Neiman, who became her husband in 1957. Janet and LeRoy moved to Paris for several years and Janet was thrilled when the storekeeper on the corner finally acknowledged her as a local chic Parisienne. The young couple used that time of their life to voyage the world extensively, beginning a lifelong passion for travel.

In 1963 they moved to their New York apartment next to Central Park which quickly became Janet’s favorite painting subject through the six decades that she resided there. While managing her husband’s career, she continued to paint through the years and had exhibitions at both Columbia University and SAIC late in life. In 2015, she received her honorary doctorate from SAIC and for her positive impact on the student life at the school she received an overwhelming standing ovation from students, parents and teachers.

Janet loved her extended family dearly, spending most holidays with her brothers and their families in New York, Chicago, and Virginia. The family often visited New York and Janet loved to play host, taking everyone to the ballet, plays, and museums. Annually, Janet would join her brother Bob and his family at the beach, often toting art supplies to capture the scene. She loved her nieces and nephews greatly and taught them appreciation for art and commitment to family.

Janet and LeRoy were generous philanthropists within the arts. Janet and LeRoy funded the development of multiple student art studios in various cities around the United States, endowed scholarships and supported arts education nationwide. The LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation continues their philanthropy and mission to help aspiring artists.

Janet will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, friends and a foundation to continue her life legacy and work. The family wishes to thank all those who have been in her life and on her team for the last few years.