Janet C. Jurist

Janet C. Jurist, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, librarian, traveler, and storyteller, died peacefully on November 25, 2025, at the age of 96. She lived a long, full, richly textured life which she often summed up with a wry smile and quiet pride: “I’ve been everywhere I wanted to go. Not many people can say that.”

Born in Brooklyn on January 24, 1929, Janet was the cherished daughter of Ben and Rose Calodny. She spoke of her childhood with vivid warmth as a home filled with laughter, loving grandparents, and small but treasured rituals. Her maternal grandfather, a carpenter, built her toys and a wooden bench she kept for years. Her paternal grandfather, who owned a fruit and vegetable store, slipped her bunches of grapes. One grandmother made her laugh and viewed life lightly; the other welcomed her with home baked cakes. She considered herself lucky for having such a wonderful childhood.

A determined student, she excelled in New York public schools and insisted on pursuing higher education at a time when many believed girls didn’t need college. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in chemistry, later laughing about the holes the chemicals burned in her clothing. Her early jobs allowed her to save for what mattered most to her which was to travel.

In her early twenties, she set off alone to Europe visiting Geneva, Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam. It was a journey that opened the world to her and ignited a passion that would shape the rest of her life. Over the decades, she traveled across Russia and China just as they opened to Western tourists, journeyed through Africa on safari, explored South America and Australia, traversed Southeast Asia and Vietnam, rode the Trans-Siberian Railway, and, later in life, reached Antarctica. Travel remained one of the great threads of her story, reflecting her independence, curiosity, and courage.

In 1950, Janet met James Jurist, the great love of her life. They married quickly, drawn together by affection, intellect, and humor. On their honeymoon, they drove across the United States, a joyful adventure made even more precious in hindsight. Only six weeks after their wedding, Jim contracted polio, just before the vaccine was discovered. His survival was uncertain for weeks. Janet cared for him at home, lifting him inch by inch with stacks of telephone books until he could stand again. He recovered, walking with a lifelong limp that never dimmed his spirit. Together, they built a life marked by resilience, warmth, and devotion as they raised their two children, Louis and Carolyn.

While raising her family, Janet returned to school, earning a master’s degree in Library Science. She went on to work at the Nassau County Research Library, where her love of books became a defining passion. She was an active member of the Lewis Carroll Society, delighting in literary, whimsy, and a devoted collector of rare books, especially works by Isak Dinesen, whose imaginative storytelling spoke deeply to her.

After their children were grown, Janet and Jim moved to Manhattan, settling into a sunny apartment on the Upper East Side which was one of the happiest times of her life. After Jim’s death, she rebuilt her life with grace and determination.

In her later years, Janet moved to Boston to be near her family. Though she missed New York, she cherished the closeness of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Louis, and his wife, Bonnie, and by her daughter, Carolyn Spring, and her husband, Howard. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Matthew Spring and his wife Rachel, Kelsey Busch and her husband Alex, Rachel Spring, James Jurist, and Lily Jurist; and her great-grandson, Oliver Busch, who brought her immeasurable delight.

When asked in her nineties what she wanted out of life, Janet would smile and say, “At this point, I just want to breathe. To get out of bed in the morning, to walk around, to think clearly.” Then, with quiet satisfaction, she would add, “I’ve done it all.” It was a true reflection from someone who had lived life with curiosity, humor, and love.

Janet believed in integrity, kindness, and caring deeply for the people she loved. She approached life’s challenges with grace and a simple philosophy she returned to again and again: “One day at a time.” She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to Michelle Kornblau Cohen Legacy Fund via www.northwellcommunity.org or to the New York Public Library via www.nypl.org