Janice Leah Gardner

Janice graduated from Westwood Regional High School in 1979. Through the years she continued her education receiving certificates in nutrition, food handling, cake decorating, and employee relations, to name a few.

From age 12, as a volunteer at Pascack Valley Hospital, Jan developed a strong interest and skill in food service. Four years later she was hired- her first full time position! She later joined the food service department at Wellington Nursing Home increasing her craft.

Since 1984 Janice held her position of nutrition and food service supervisor at Hackensack University Medical Center, 2nd Street Cafe. She took great pride in fulfilling her duties. She had so much concern for the employees, that in her spare time she learned sign language to better communicate with those who were challenged. “Miss Janice” was loyal, ethical, caring, and respected. She held that position for 31 years until the present.

Lebanon Baptist Church, is where Janice embraced the essence of Christianity. From birth, she was ‘one of few words,’ but from early childhood she poured her soul into servanthood in many capacities: singing with the junior and inspirational choirs; as a trustee; the kitchen committee; a co-leader of Jehovah el Shaddai Dance Ministry and was a gifted, liturgical dancer with the Karar Dance Ministry. Appointed by her former pastor, Janice was President of the Lebanon Community Development Corp.

Janice was multi-talented, gifted and precise. She was an excellent gourmet cook and pastry baker. She always set a formal, warm, uniquely beautiful table for family dinners. Jan was an avid reader and had many book collections. Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting, sewing, and scrapbooking. Janice, enjoyed antique fairs, had a vast collection of teapots, and loved caring for her dog Bruizer!

She leaves behind many loved ones. Her mother; Her sisters: Regina Earl, Joan-ann Gardner, Natalie Newman; Her nieces and nephews: Darren Earl, Adrienne Gardner, David Newman, Randolph Newman, Mirielle Dumas, and her ‘minpin”, Bruizer, as well as many other close relatives and friends.