Obituary of Janet J. LeClair

Janet J. LeClair Janet J. LeClair age 83 passed away on June 26th 2007 at the home of her daughter in Charlotte NC as a result of a long battle with Alzheimers disease. Born Janet Jacobsen, daughter of Lloyd and Catherine Sheerin Jacobsen, on February 4, 1924, she received full scholarships to Saint Cecelias Preparatory School and Caldwell College. Graduating valedictorian from both schools, she was awarded medals of honor in English, Drama, and Philosophy at Caldwell College. She was a lifetime member of the National Arts Club in New York City where she served on the Board of Governors for several terms. She was a member of Harkers Hollow Golf club, a member of the North Hunterdon Board of Education, Caldwell College Alumni Association, and St Anns Church in Hampton, NJ and St Matthew Church in Charlotte, NC. After raising her children, she consulted and lectured on the art and intellectual contributions of American painter, Robert Henri, her uncle, giving charitable support to many institutions including the Robert Henri Museum in Cozad, Nebraska and the National Arts Club in New York City. In the 1990s, she traveled as a member of an international contingent of goodwill ambassadors from the American art community to the Soviet Union. Her long-time friendship with American portrait painter, Margery Ryerson who was Henris last surviving student and coauthor with him of The Art Spirit, caused a resurgence of interest in her art. Her vision launched a retrospective show of Ryersons work in 1999. She is predeceased by her beloved husband John Charles LeClair and brothers Theodore L. Jacobsen and Robert J. Jacobsen. She is survived by her four children, Michelle Rosemary LeClair and spouse George E. Baird Jr. , Janet Marjorie LeClair and spouse John C. Bragg Jr., Craig Stephen LeClair and spouse Zaurie Zimmerman and Jack Baldwin LeClair. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren: John, Mathew, Lauren & Michael Bragg, Alyson, Connor and Catherine Baird, Jacqueline and Abigail Baldwin LeClair, Justin and Marie LeClair and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Hospice of Charlotte, Partners in Care and loving caregivers Rosa, Alice and Mary for their devotion to Mom. Viewing at Martin funeral Home 1761 Route 31 Clinton, NJ 08809: Sunday, July 1st 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm . Mass and burial at St Anns Church in Hampton, NJ on Monday July 2nd at 10 am; Memorial Mass in Charlotte NC to be held at a later date IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MAKE DONATIONS TO: Alzheimer's Association of Western Carolina 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215 or Hospice of Charlotte 1420 E 7th St Charlotte NC 28204