Janice T. Cranch

Peacefully passed away June 18, 2025 at age 93. Predeceased by her parents Keith and Irene (Cole) Tallman, her sister, Marcia T.(Clark) Patterson and former husband, John E. Cranch. Survived by her wife, Mary Lou (Cable) Schloss, children; Jennifer A. Cranch, Judith L. (Spider) Alton, Jonathan K. (Nancy) Cranch, Jeremy D. Cranch, stepchildren; Hilary (Lance) Lindsey and Evan (Elizabeth) Schloss, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jan was a lover of people and nature. Her favorite pastimes included gardening, bird watching, photography and sharing her love of nature with others. She enjoyed many peaceful hours canoeing, hiking and camping and made a mean S’more! Jan served as a leader for the 4-H, Girl Scouts and Explorers. She fostered several teens, and hosted Fresh Air children and foreign exchange students.

She believed education was important and was a lifelong learner. She had an insatiable curiosity for all things tech.

Jan graduated from Oswego State with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1951, followed by a long teaching career at several area schools.

Jan went on to earn two Master's degrees, one in Special Education from Nazareth College in 1987 and the second in Social Work from Syracuse University in 1990.

Jan had a successful second career in Social Work at Monroe #1 Boces where she mentored many Social Work interns. Jan was active in the New York School Social Workers Association (NYSSWA) helping plan several regional conferences, one of which she chaired locally at Woodcliff. Jan was also active in the National Association of Social Workers (NYSW-NYS) Genesee Valley Division and was awarded Social Worker of the Year by them in 1995.

Jan retired in 2003 but continued to substitute for several more years, working well into her 70’s.

Jan’s many accomplishments include being a founding mother of the Penfield Village Nursery School, where she served as a Director, Board member and substitute teacher.

She was active on many Penfield committees, serving on one of NY’s first Conservation Boards and Penfield’s Master Plan Committee. Jan facilitated a family support group for AIDS Rochester and was an active volunteer with the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Program.

After finally(!!) retiring, Jan enjoyed leisurely road trips with Mary Lou, exploring New England in their RV.

Jan will be remembered as always having a willing ear and an open heart, ready to help anyone in need, and being a wonderful wife, mom and grandparent.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 2pm-5pm at the Cranch Barn, 2837 Kittering Road, Macedon, NY 14502.

As much as Jan loved flowers, she preferred them in the garden, so if you feel inclined, please donate to a local charity of your choice in her memory. 

PEACE!