What a terribly sad day for the Piper family. Janne was such a serene presence - one of those who make others feel better, just by being there. Her legacy will be in the hearts of those she touched -- particularly her children. I send heartfelt sympathy to Win and the boys.
Jane Darrach (Etna, New Hampshire)

Win and Family ~ My prayers go out to all of you. Janne was an incredible person of strength and friendship. She provided so much to everyone with her smile and warm and caring ways. May the memories provide strength in the coming days.
Jean Patten (Enfield, NH)


Dear Janne,
Hanover is a less joyful place without you. The memory of you that comes to mind is sitting with you in Carol's Garden at Lanakila, during Show Weekend, and chatting about the upcoming perils of 9th grade for Ethan and Duncan. You gave me a lot of guidance and said we'd keep an eye out for each other's boys. Now you know that all of Hanover and beyond will be keeping a loving eye on those boys. They have been so brave and gracious in the last two days. You must be very proud of them. Win, Win and Duncan were so fortunate to have you in their lives. Your beautiful smile will be a cherished memory for your family and friends.
Godspeed,
Laura Gillespie (Hanover, NH)

We stand with you and share in your loss.......
Joyce and Donato Ian and Christopher (Etna, NH)

Janne was a special person. I worked with her on the Haven Board , and she was an enthusiastic worker. Janne was especially interested in education the children of homeless families, and helped with the fornmation of the homework club which continues today. She was an active and appreciated board member. Her passing is sad indeed for all those whose lives she has touched.
Will Black (Hanover, NH)

Dear Piper Family,
I met Janne when we were both with little kids at Storrs Pond, and we hit it off right away. Even though I moved away and then came back to the area years later, Janne remembered me and warmly greeted me when she saw me. At the time Janne was currently undergoing chemo for her cancer, but amazed me as still exuded her beautiful, positive, warm self! I was really touched by knowing Janne, and I am so sorry for you guys. Janne will be greatly missed by all who knew her. My deepest condolences go out to you.
Mary Sansone (Lyme, NH)

I will always remember Janne for her bright smile and sense of optimism; for her love of family; for the joy she took in her husband and sons; for the loving friend she was and always will be to me.
Dena Testa Bray (Etna, New Hampshire)

I was honored to have been able to know possibly one of the most selfless,loving,generous,peaceful,person.She came to me for comfort and peace and relaxation through massage, but through her kind supportive words, her soft encouragment.. i think i got more out of our sessions. I will miss our time together, may her family find comfort.
Kristy Dessaint (N.Haverhill NH)


Like Laura, my memories of Janne are all Lanakila-related. I remember watching Janne happily watching Duncan perform and share some of the Lanakila philosophy at show weekend chapel. But, more recently, I remember Janne, Win, Win and Duncan sharing their Christmas so willingly with me when I was away from home in Hanover over the winter. Thank you, Janne and all you boys.
Fraser Boyd (Dunblane, Scotland)

I am deeply saddened to hear of Janne's passing away. I have known Janne since our Montessori days where our kids were in class together. She has always greeted me with a smile and talked to me whenever she saw me at the Ray school. She will be missed terribly by all who knew her. Although words will not really ease the loss of Janne, my thoughts and prayers are with you - Win and Family.
Sujatha Sundaram (Hanover/NH)

My deepest sympathy, Janne was one of the sweetest people I Know, I will miss her.
Mary E Young (We'er Makin Waves) (Hanover NH)

Bruce & I first were introduced to Janne and Win at a dinner party hosted by Maureen and Glenn Beane. Janne's bright eyes and sweet smile, not to mention her warm and receptive demeanor were the first things we recalled of that meeting. Memories of such a steadfast, kind, devoted and caring person will endure forever in our hearts; through the lives her sons lead; and through the energy Janne imbued in her own good works. Our love, sympathy and prayers go out to Win and her sons, Win and Duncan, and all her family and friends.
Bruce, Joan, Matt and Tessa Freeman-Friedman (Etna, N.H.)

Jan was a regular customer when I was working at Rosey's Cafe. When she came in early, it was for a small French Roast to go. When she came in mid morning, it was for a small French Roast, and a Provence sandwich to go. Sometimes she would eat half of her sandwich while reading the paper and then she would have me wrap up the rest so she could eat it for lunch later. Occasionally we would talk while waiting for the Brie on the sandwich to melt. So we got to know one another a bit. And though I only knew her through these light interactions at the counter, she made such a strong impression on me. Enough so, that I find myself here, struggling to articulate myself to all of you, friends and family who may read this post. I'm not sure if I can make clear enough what it is that I'm trying to express. I'm not writing this simply because I once knew her; that I thought she was a nice person. The death of someone known is powerful, and worthy of condolences and lement. But this is something else. I'm writing this because she was uniquely special. Because she was an example worth recognition. I was shocked to read of her passing in the newspaper yesterday. She had shared with me that she was ill. This was quite some time ago. And I recall how I was so deeply impressed with her stoic bravery and positive outlook. I commented on her hair cut, and she shared with me that it was a wig... and she didn't flinch. And we talked about it for a few minutes. Afterwards I was like, wow! Impressed in her composure, but more so in how comfortable she made me feel having stumbled on something so sensetive. She was always up, always positive, even when I could see that she wasn't feeling well certain days. I guess I was shocked to discover that she didn't overcome her battle, because of how she carried herself. She was an unflinching wall, and I thought that she would surly beat this thing. I guess what I'm trying to say here is that infact I think she did win, because she certainly didn't lose. (and I know through our discusssions about tennis that she was a competitor) She deserves this recognition. What I've read here of her is that she was incredibly selfless throughout her life. Always giving. That she maintained in this nature under such circumstances to the end when her life was being taken from her... You've made a deep impression on me Jan, and I imagine, on so many others. I would like to think that I will hold onto the thought of you, the examples you have set - true courage, absolute bravery, and unflinching resolve - and through this, you live on. I'm glad to have met you Jan, thank you. T.
Tate

Janne was such an incredible and warm person. We are so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy.
Lorri Wettemann, Andy Morgan (Norwich, VT)

I cannot stop thinking about Janne and what a wonderful person she was. I worked next to Janne for many years at Crosby School in Pittsfield, MA, She was also my unit leader. Janne was very dedicated to her studnets and a very kind person. The other day I was watching an old video of a play our classes had done together and there was Janne with her big, beautiful smile and bright blue eyes. She will live on in allthose who loved her and in those whose lives she touched.
Val Kemp (Pittsfield, MA)

Janne was the case coordinator for my children. She was a gentle, warm, and beautiful person who always had a smile to share. She was reassuring to those of us facing uncertainty. Little did we know what uncertainty she was facing herself. What has not yet been mentioned was how bright she was. She was a true professional with a rare combination of being very smart and very personable, and she could get what she wanted without being the least bit bossy. We very much miss her, professionally and personally.
Elaine Palmer (Hanover NH)

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