Janet Elizabeth Dekker

Janet passed away peacefully on May 21, 2021 at home with family. Janet was born in San Francisco on April 15, 1957 but lived the bulk of her life in Fremont, CA. She attended Brier Elementary school and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1975. Janet was always all about the kids. Early on she was drawn to her younger siblings, the nurturing older sister always there with an open hand and soft shoulder. She found her calling early on. In high school she took ROP classes in Early Childhood Studies and received her AA degree in Early Childhood Development at Ohlone in 1977. She first started working as a teacher at Kinder Care, then The Learning Tree, and finally at the Fremont Parent Co-op. During the 35years as a teacher in pre-school she touched many young hearts and minds. Teacher Janet had a strong conviction that all children should be free to express themselves and be who they are. She encouraged children to color outside the lines and accepted them as-is and with a hug. Janet’s greatest joy came with the birth of her son. She devoted all of her energy to motherhood providing the most loving environment, enjoying the challenges and rewards at every turn. All the while, Janet was sewing costumes, bringing over handmade gifts and cards, making paper, dying Easter eggs with natural colors, baking desserts for special occasions, building kites. And…adding a little specialness to every occasion. Janet was hit with a diagnosis of dementia at age 54. For the next 10 years she endured her disease as she always lived her life, with a loving acceptance of everyone and everything around her…still appreciating the laugh of a child, the chirp of a bird and the joy of family (and a good spoonful of Loard’s ice cream). She loved camping and nature. She loved family barbeques and shagging softballs. She loved dancing and singing around the piano. And anything to do with being a mother. She loved Dan Fogelberg and Depeche Mode. She loved Fudge Anas and banana splits. She loved a bite of licorice with a bite of popcorn. Janet is survived by her son Clayton Filson, her grand-daughter Elizabeth Filson, her mother Margaret, and eleven siblings: Robert (Lorna), Kathryn, Daniel, David (Pam), John, Claire Sabin (Pete), Jennifer Van Camp (John), Colleen Kinnear (Dominic), Thomas (Meagan), Mercedes (Paul), Karl (Yvette), numerous nieces and nephews and Clayton’s father Patrick Filson. She is predeceased by her father William Dekker. We will miss you Jan-Jan but the hole that is left in our hearts will be partly filled with the joy and memories you gave us. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 6pm-7pm with a Vigil service beginning at 7pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. A Chapel service will be held at Fremont Chapel of the Roses on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 9:30am. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. The family suggests donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.

Janet Elizabeth Dekker

April 15, 1957 - May 21, 2021