Janice M. Yager

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janice Mary Yager. Affectionately known as Jan to her friends and Nanny to her family, she passed away peacefully at her home on August 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Jan’s radiant smile and boundless warmth touched all who knew her throughout her 82 years. 

One of three children, she was born to the late Herbert and Harriet Short on December 14, 1942, in Suffern and began her life in Stony Point, New York. She later moved to Neversink, NY, and was a proud graduate of Tri-Valley High School’s Class of 1961. Jan demonstrated dedication to her community, which was evident through her work as a switchboard operator, bus driver, and later an administrative secretary at Tri-Valley Elementary School. 

Throughout her life, Jan was defined by her devotion to four words: Family, Friends, Food, and Fun. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She could whip up a meal in an instant, turning every dinner table into a place of laughter and love. Although she was not a big sports fan, Jan loved watching and cheering for her sons and grandchildren at countless sporting events and activities. Each fall, she enjoyed annual trips to the Cape with family and friends and was always up for a cruise with her dear girlfriends in the winter. Janice was the most selfless, caring, and thoughtful person - always putting others before herself. Her quick wit and sense of humor brought smiles to all who knew her, and her joyful and loving spirit left an impression on everyone she met. 

Jan is survived by her devoted husband of more than 60 years, Thomas C. Yager; her loving sons Michael Yager and his wife Andrea, and Timothy Yager and his wife Virginia. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Andrew Yager and his wife Lisa, Kayla Foster and her husband Michael, Ariana Gallo and her husband Joseph, Madison Yager, Jacob Yager, Hunter Yager, Megan Schmidt, and Vivienne Gallo, all of whom she took immense pride in. She also leaves behind her brother Donald Short, his wife Cynthia and their daughter Amanda Short; her brother-in-law William Yager, his wife Barbara, their daughter Lisa Yager, their son Robert Yager, his wife Karen, and their children Joseph and Julianna. She was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Short. 

Janice’s life was a living embodiment of Mother Teresa’s famous words: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Jan will be remembered for the love, warmth, and kindness she gave freely. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. She truly embodied the adage of a life well lived.

 A visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a funeral service at Colonial Family Funeral Home, located at 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Paster Paul Minton will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery, State Route 55 East. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Research Hospital.