KNOX — Janice T. Van Etten “is singing alto in the heavenly choir after a sudden departure from her earthly home” on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, her family wrote in a tribute. She was 88.

She was born in Somerville, New Jersey, daughter of the late Helen and Henry Tiger, and sister to Clark.  She moved to Slingerlands and graduated from Voorheesville’s high school in 1952. In 1956, she graduated from Cornell University where she met George Van Etten.

They married in 1957 and bought the family farm in Knox in 1958.

“She was a helpmate on the farm, selling eggs, beef, and vegetables, shearing Christmas trees, and making wreaths,” her family wrote. “She drove many a hay ride and baled endless wagons of hay.

“She was employed by the New York State Labs and was a substitute teacher for the Berne-Knox-Westerlo school system. She volunteered her time generously with many community organizations. She was a 4-H leader, Fresh Air Fund organizer for 47 years, Builders Club Advisor, and Kiwanis member.

“She had a strong Christian faith, and held every office at the Knox Reformed Church and even preached there.

“She was a loving mother to her children, David (deceased), Jeff (Patsy), Judy (Andy), Sue, Nancy (Keith) and Andy (Richard). She is fondly remembered playing games with and hugging on her grandkids, Amanda (Aaron), Megan, Bethany (Andrew), Sophie, Drew, Nick, Luke, Riley, Stephanie, Kaleb, Sydney, Selah, and Hope, and great-grandchildren Eli and Acelyn.

“Besides her family, she loved her Flemish rabbits. She regularly traveled the rabbit show circuit in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and even Ohio, winning innumerable state and national awards over more than 30 years.”

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The family will greet visitors at the Knox Reformed Church at 2175 Berne-Altamont Road in Knox, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. A Celebration of Life will begin at noon.

“You are invited to share a memory or short story,” her family wrote. “Followed by a reunion with George at the Knox Cemetery with a toast of Tawny Port, followed by lunch at the church hall, where all are welcome.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox Reformed Church, 2175 Berne-Altamont R0ad, Knox NY, 12107.