Janet Lubeski May 12, 1933- June 26, 2008 Remembering my mother, Janet, I think of the word integrity. She helped others live with integrity: the elderly, the frail, the marginalized, the institutionalized, the mentally ill, the addicted, the physically handicapped, the homeless, the dying. It was her mission to reach out, and she was constantly reaching out. Janet was a nurse for most of her life. Working in convalescent homes she was angered by the accepted treatment of the sick and dying elderly. She tried to bring comfort to their lives and to assist them in passing over. She taught them that it was all right to let go. She listened to them and respected their wishes. She fought for patient’s rights and advocated for them when they could not do so for themselves. Janet countered doctors and counseled family members. She encouraged, guided and supported those who were emotionally distraught from enduring the long and painful illnesses of loved ones. She brought humanity and humility to her employees; she brought dignity to her patients. Janet could not neglect those who were in need. She could never ignore those who were readily ignored by our social system. After retiring, Janet bought a bright red Dodge van with gold hubcaps which she named “Red Rosie.” She and Rosie made their way across the country, camping in all the state parks and visiting sights she had always longed to see. She eventually settled in San Francisco. She was on the Advisory Board of New Leaf Outreach To Elders; she belonged to OLOC, Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. She participated in peace marches and candlelight vigils; Janet rode proudly in the cable car each summer during Pride March. She supported politicians who worked for change and wrote letters when the environment was being threatened. Janet’s favorite place to be was in nature— watching birds, hiking at Point Reyes, visiting the Women’s Sacred Grove of redwoods or pondering the waves at Ocean Beach. She shared this love with her children and grandchildren, as well as with her numerous friends. Janet was an extremely generous person with her presence, her enthusiasm, and her sheer joy for life. On one of her “to do lists” she had itemized everyday tasks such as “go to the post office” and “call Mark for his birthday” but the last thing she had on the list was “SMILE.” It was no surprise that, during the celebration of her life at The Gay and Lesbian Center last year, there were many testimonies that began, “Janet helped me find housing…” or “Janet helped me when I was depressed…” or “Janet took care of me after my surgery…” or “Janet always tested out the food for me and told me which dishes were the best…” She was my best friend and I honor her with appreciation and respect for all that she gave. Written by Lori Lubeski, Janet’s daughter Honored by Steven Lubeski, Janet’s son |
