Barbara Jane MacKay Janson

Barbara Jane Mackay Janson passed away at age 94 after a brief illness as a resident of Williamsburg Landing on January 31, 2013. Barbara was born August 16, 1918 in Ashtabula, Ohio. Her parents, Ione and John, were proud to bring their "tomboy" into this world.

She was a gifted athlete and teacher who earned her Master's degree in Physical Education at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She was good at all sports but excelled in tennis and golf. She had two holes in one and came in first in many tournaments. Her undergrad education was at Ohio Wesleyan and Lake Erie College where she joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and remained an active member for life.

Teaching tennis at summer camp resulted in more than a better backhand when she met Ernie Janson at Torch Lake in 1944. Two years later they were married on July 6, 1946 under the wisteria at the farm in Ashtabula. They moved to New York where Janey was born and soon after lived in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where John was born. They were active members of the community for the next 33 years.

When Ernie retired they moved to Kingsmill in Williamsburg, VA where they built a home backing onto Halfway Creek. It was their dream house where they could enjoy seeing birds, squirrels, deer, and an occasional fish, from the floor to ceiling windows in the Virginia Room. Barbara loved feeding the birds and taking part in bird counts.

They joined the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg, where Mom was instrumental helping to build a new Fellowship Hall. She took over the job of watering the plants inside for years and helped with spring cleaning.
Tennis and golf filled her days until she turned 87. Many were surprised to learn how old she was, still playing and winning tournaments. At the last tournament that she won, in addition to the trophy, she got the nick name "Wonder Woman"!

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Janson and her brother, John MacKay. She is survived by her two children, Janey and John, and their families. We would like to thank the Woodhaven staff at the Williamsburg Landings for their special care of our mother during her 5 years in their hands and especially their comforting nature during her final days.

A memorial service in her honor will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 3 PM at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg VA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign are suggested. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.