With great sorrow but even greater love, we remember Janice Marilyn Walters (nee Mackie), who passed on July 19, 2023.  she is survived by her daughter Wendy Trevor (and husband William), Daughter-in-law Valery Walters, sister Emily Dalen (and husband John), grandchildren Francis DiTraglia, Michael DiTraglia, Justin Walters, Cody Walters and Kathrynn Walters, three Great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.  She is predeceased by her husband James B. Walters Sr., son James B. Walters Jr., her parents Adelaide and George Mackie, her brother Charles Mackie (and wife Linda), her sister Norma Colascione (and husband Joe), and her brother George Mackie (and wife Marina).  Joy isn’t something that just happens; it is something that we have to create.

Jan had the ability to create joy seemingly out of thin air, whether singing along with tape cassettes while driving her grandchildren to school, or making elaborate costumes from scratch and filming skits and songs to send to loved ones who lived across the country.  Jan used her many talents and can-do spirit in the service of others, especially those whom others excluded, through her volunteer work at church and with the Special Olympics.  She loved that she shared generously with others throughout her life, most recently as a volunteer in the Burlington County public school system in New Jersey.  Jan loved helping others, but even more than this she loved helping others to help themselves, to feel more capable, and to be more capable.  Most of all, Jan loved people, not things.  She showed so many of us that we can find joy, if we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and make it happen.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Janice’s name to the Special Olympics:

https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/ways-to-give/

Special Olympics New York
94 New Karner Road, Suite 208
Albany, NY 12203

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