Janice Carol Eldred

Janice Carol Eldred died peacefully on May 4, 2016 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.  She had been surrounded by her family and friends throughout the previous two days.  Her sisters were by her side when she passed gently into the light.[private]Born on January 12, 1961 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, New York, Janice was the daughter of the late June and William Eldred of Hoosick Falls, NY.  Janice also became a beloved member of the family of the late John and Hazel Eggers and spent much of her growing-up years in Castleton, NY.  She graduated valedictorian of her high school class and went on to study at Drew University, New York University, and the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. It was at S.I.T. that she entered the World Issues Program and completed a six month internship in India.  Her experiences there with the Auroville community and the Tamil culture had a profound effect on her life.
Being fond of word play, Janice took the additional name of Emma Grant to connect with the “immi-grant” side of her nature. Janice’s interest in travel began in childhood, camping with the Eggers as they explored the country.  Between college semesters, she headed off to jobs in Europe that allowed her to travel through several countries, being particularly fond of her time spent working and living in Switzerland.  In later years, she would return several times to the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, and her beloved Southwest, as well as Spain and Mexico.  Janice was never happier than when she had a bag packed, visualizing her next adventure.
As a citizen of the world, Janice could not turn away from global problems or the ills of our own society.  Yet, she found solace and rejuvenation in the natural world, especially that which surrounded her in Putney, Vermont, and she found deep connection within Putney’s caring community.  She committed herself to a simple, sustainable lifestyle and lived a life that was meaningful and kind.  She was a caregiver to many of the people and animals of her community.
Janice is survived by her sister Faye Mihuta (James) of Saratoga Springs; sister June Horton (Allan) of Wilmington, MA; niece Alie Mihuta of Washington, DC; cousin Lillian Hewitt (Kent Goodermote) of Berlin, NY;  and her extended family.
There will be a private family memorial service and a community celebration of Janice’s life, both to be held at future dates. Contributions may be made in Janice’s memory to the Q’ewar Project, a Peruvian women’s initiative which she supported (www.qewar.com), or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.[/private]