Janel M. Schaible of Rotterdam — whose family says she loved without conditions — died on Monday, May 17, 2021. She was 67.

“The best wife, mom, and grandmother anyone could ask for, Janel was born on Aug. 21, 1953 in Wichita, Kansas,” her family wrote in a tribute. “The third of four children, Janel was a caretaker for her family from an early age, developing a close relationship with her little brother, Jerry, who had Down syndrome. Janel took pride in teaching Jerry how to read and was his lifelong advocate and friend.

“Janel met the love of her life, David, in 1972 in Idyllwild, California. They married later that year in Albany, New York, beginning a beautiful life together that spanned almost five decades. In 1977, they welcomed daughter Sarah, and in 1983, son Jeff.

“Janel worked for New York State for parts of two decades, but spent many years at home with her two children. Janel made their childhood magical: from family vacations to Virginia Beach or the Great Escape theme park to myriad camping trips and Chuck E. Cheese birthday parties, she was the architect of family fun.

“But what Janel really loved most was Christmas with her family. She worked part-time in retail to help Santa bring nearly every single present on her kids’ and grandkids’ lists. Her generosity for her family was unmatched, and she instilled that spirit and love of the holiday in both of her kids.

“Janel had endless patience for her family, but absolutely none for bad customer service, spotty internet, cold rooms, or substandard restaurants. She hated to have her photo taken, but filled countless albums and hundreds of frames with pictures of her children and grandchildren. Janel loved to laugh and share silly stories of her grandkids, who brought her infinite joy and smiles.

“In her later years, Janel was an avid and talented quilter and a proud member of the Schenectady’s Quilters Guild, where she made many quilts for veterans, as well as many friends. She loved flowers, gardening, the ocean, and yearly trips to Disney World. Even when she was robbed of her eyesight, she still loved to read, especially anything from Stephen King.

“Janel was a fighter, a storyteller, a collector and a creator of memories. She loved without conditions, and will be missed forever.”

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Janel M. Schaible is survived by her beloved husband, David, of Rotterdam; her wonderful daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Joseph, of Rotterdam; her cherished son, Jeff, and his wife, Emily, of West Hartford, Connecticut; and five beautiful grandchildren: Angel, Gabby, Luke, Nate, and Annie.

A memorial will be held at Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main Street in Altamont from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 21.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics.