Obituary of Janet M. Alden

Alden, Marie Janet Marie "Jan" (Meyers) Alden, 66, of Crystal Beach, NY, passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 9:33 am, in her home with her loved ones at her side from complications due to cancer. Jan is survived by her mother, Sylvia Meyers of Geneva, NY; two brothers, Robert C. (Julie) Meyers of Geneseo, NY and Michael J. (Laurie) Meyers of Olean, NY; two sons, Robert E. (Lauren) Alden, of Victor, NY and John P. Alden, of Denver, CO.; two grandchildren, Nathan S. Tooley, and Haley B. Alden, both of Victor, NY; four nieces, two nephews, two great nieces, two great nephews; Josie, her beloved and vociferous Maltie-poo. She was born on March 9, 1945 in Mineola, NY to Charles E. and Sylvia L. Meyers and raised in Geneva, NY. Jan was married for 25 years to George Alden, currently of Cocoa Beach, FL., and lived in Farmbrook, NY. Jan earned her bachelor's degree in 1989 with a dual major in Cultural Studies and Social Theory, Structure and Change and a minor in Women's Studies from SUNY Empire State College and her master's degree in 1992 in Adult Education and Development from SUC Brockport, NY. For many years, Jan worked as administrative assistant to the Director of the Department of Public Works for the City of Canandaigua, NY. Jan then worked as Unit Manager/Teacher/Tutor at SUNY Empire State College from 1983 to retirement in 1998. She taught English as a second language at SUNY Empire State College from 1999 to 2004 and substitute taught at Marcus Whitman School District in all areas of study from K-12. Jan loved traveling, writing, theater, music and the arts, gardening, swimming, golf, tennis, kayaking and hiking. She was a very involved member of Crosswinds Wesleyan Church, particularly the Adults Alive Ministry, the Singles Ministry and led the Tuesday night book study club. She also belonged to the Valley Garden Club. We love you, our vivacious adventurer. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 12:00 noon at Crosswinds Wesleyan Church, 3360 Middle Cheshire Road, Canandaigua, NY 14424, with reception to follow, as well as an Irish wake. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Crosswinds Benevolence Fund at the above address to help families with end of life care.