Janet W. Browning

Cape Coral, FL - Janet W. Browning of Rochester, NY, died Sunday, February 2, 2014 after a brief illness in Cape Coral, Florida where she was visiting her children. She was born in Wellsville, NY on November 4, 1919 and lived there nearly all of her life. She was the daughter of John and Beatrice Williams. 

She graduated from Wellsville High School at the age of 16. She married William Browning Sr. on August 31, 1940 in Wellsville, NY. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Geneseo and taught kindergarten at the Scio Central School in Scio, NY for 26 years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Wellsville since 1947, a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1943, and a member and past president of the Monday Club. She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association. Janet was an avid bridge player. After retirement, she and her husband owned and operated Browning Antiques and Collectibles in Wellsville and participated in antique shows around the country. She and her husband also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean as well as in the US and Canada. 

Janet loved people and nurtured close relationships with her own family and with her many friends who became "family" to her. She enjoyed discussions about politics, religion, and current events. She had an inquiring mind; she wanted to understand why things were the way they were. She left behind a stack of birthday cards with notes ready to be sent to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. Although her eyesight and hearing failed in her later years, she was not stopped by these afflictions.  She devoured books on tape and arranged numerous social events at her apartment making certain that everyone was included. She exhibited dignity, courage, grace, strength, intelligence, warmth, empathy and humor throughout her life including her final days. She will be missed by so many people. She was an inspiration to everyone.  

She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years: William (Bud) W. Browning Sr. of Wellsville, New York; great grandson Joshua Davis of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania; sister June Lee of Houston, Texas.

She is survived by William (Barbara) Browning Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida; Kay (Stephen) Jacobstein of Rochester, New York; Pamela (Gary) Kimmet of Rochester, New York; grandchildren: Heather Regan of Austin Texas; Stacy (Barclay) Davis of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania; Tasha (Scott) Buser of Pleasanton, California; William (Alexandra Podwalny) Browning III of Austin, Texas; Amanda (Michael) Miller of Syracuse, New York; Nicholas (Elizabeth) Paul of Winnetka, Illinois; Christopher (Lisa) Paul of Scarsdale, New York; Adam Paul of Los Angeles, California; Darcy (Paul) Koreen of Mississauga, Ontario Canada; Ryan (Leah) Kimmet of Danbury, Connecticut; nineteen great grandchildren; sister, Patricia McQueen of Rochester, New York; brother, John (Joan) Williams of Stuart, Florida as well as several nieces and nephews.

A private family interment was held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY. A celebration of her life will be scheduled in Wellsville, NY during Memorial Day weekend 2014.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: 

First Congregational Church 

289 N Main Street 

Wellsville, NY 14895

Or

Cancer Wellness Connections

240 Kilbourn Road

Rochester, NY 14618

Or

Horizons Student Enrichment Program at Harley

1981 Clover Street

Rochester, NY 14618