QUEENSBURY --- Janet Johnson Whalen, 74, the beloved "Nana" to all of her family – children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, aunts and friends - passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Glens Falls Hospital, following a brief illness. Her family was at her side for a final farewell.

The third of four daughters to George and Emma (Prince) Johnson, Jan was born Dec. 13, 1950. She attended Jackson Heights Elementary School and graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1969.

Her life was one of unconditional love and caring, serving for more than 25 years as a Teacher's Assistant to students of special needs at the WSWHE BOCES. She retired in 2010.

As a young widow, Jan also worked throughout the 1990's for several area seniors providing each with loving at-home care. Each became a part of her family.

In 2023, Jan enhanced her spiritual journey when meeting Pastor Clarence Thomas and his Bay Road Church congregation. Jan found attending Sunday services most uplifting. Likewise, she loved to share her passion for cooking and baking with the faithful. The menu – soups, chowders, pot roasts and pastries! All were delicious! When she became ill, grateful members stepped forward to ensure that all enjoyed a Sunday treat! She had set the bar!

Jan would, of course, devote her life of unconditional love to her family…. her first born, Heather; her beloved son, the late Shawn Whalen who followed her love of cooking, operating his Bistro Tallulah for 10+ years; grandchildren Shaniah, Lucas, and Brayton and her adorable great-granddaughter, Vivianna. There was always a place at her home for all – holidays, birthdays, indeed, everyday!

Jan was predeceased by her husband, Don Whalen; her father and mother, George and Emma Johnson; son, Shawn; Uncle, Dan (Dango) Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Joseph P. Vogel and Patrick Whalen.

Jan is survived by her daughter, Heather Whalen; grandchildren, Shaniah Sanders and Lucas Sanders (Taylor Scarincio) and their dad, Gerry Sanders, Brayton Shawn Whalen and his mom, Courtney Abeel (Hank), and Vivianna Shawn Warnecke and her mom, Shaniah and her dad, Lucas Warnecke; sister, Judy Strohmeyer (James), Pamela Vogel, and Lisa Plocharczyk; and aunt, Maureen Johnson. She is fondly remembered by special nieces and nephews, Jennifer V. Gotantas (Marc), Jason Vogel (Lisa), Corinne Araujo (Courtney), and Nate Plocharczyk and his bride-to-be, Sierra; several cousins; and her very dear friends, Barb O'Connor and Eileen Heslin.

In keeping with her wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Bay Road Church with Pastor Thomas officiating. Friends and family will be welcomed at the 11 a.m. calling hour, followed by the service at 12 noon. At its conclusion, desserts and light beverages will be served. Burial will be private.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Jan's memory to the Bay Road Church, 1167 Bay Road, Lake George, NY 12845 or to the Open Door Mission, 226 Warren St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

May "Nana" now rest in peace!

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.