Obituary of JANICE GAIL HIRSCH

Hirsch, Janice Gail

Janice Hirsch, 81, of Metuchen, NJ. passed away peacefully and bravely on December 31, 2023 surrounded by family. She lived and died on her own terms. When it was clear there was nothing more that could be done, she chose to live the last chapter of her life at home. She is predeceased by her husband, Milton Hirsch, who took close care of her until his passing on May 17, 2018.

Janice is survived by her four cherished children, Lauren Ryan and her husband John Ryan of Montclair, NJ, Tracy Kane and her partner David Tanner of West Hartford, CT, Rhonda Hogan and her husband Ray Hogan of Branchburg, NJ, and Michael Hirsch and his wife Dina Hirsch of Merrick, Long Island. She also leaves behind six grandchildren whom she deeply loved: Hallie Ryan, Benjamin Ryan, Alexis Hogan, Max Hogan, Alexandra Hirsch, and Zachary Hirsch. She had intentions to introduce each grandchild to live theater by taking them to see The Lion King on Broadway. Even though her health precluded her from fulfilling the entirety of her plan, many of her grandchildren experienced their first Broadway show with Nana at their side.

Janice was fiercely dedicated to ensuring her children had the opportunity to attend college, an opportunity she did not have herself. After spending years as a stay-at-home mom, she reentered the workforce as an art consultant first in New Jersey and then in New York City. Art was her passion. She had a keen eye for everything beautiful and helped people all over the world select art for their homes. Over the years, she built a loyal client base and continued to sell art from her home until very recently. She loved to travel and visited her favorite city, Paris, eight times, the last time taking her oldest granddaughter, Hallie, with her. She loved theater and film, cultivating this joy in each of her children. The last Broadway show she attended was in December 2022, the opening night of Some Like It Hot to which she was invited by her longtime friend, composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman.

As her health declined and it became more difficult for her to get out, she dedicated herself to her indoor plants. Every Monday morning, she would tend to them, watering and pruning them, turning them to ensure that each side of the plant got the necessary exposure to light.

Her family would like to thank the many health care providers who made a difference in her life along the way.

The funeral will be Wednesday, January 3 at 1:30 pm at Beth Israel Cemetery on Route 1 in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Shiva will be directly following the funeral at approximately 3:30 pm at the home of Lauren and John Ryan: 37 Cambridge Road, Montclair, NJ and Thursday, January 4 from 3-8 pm.