Janet Brezinsky

Janet Brezinsky, 91, of Longmeadow, MA, passed away on February 14, 2025.

Born on October 1, 1933, in Wilkes Barre, PA, Jan lived life on her own terms, with a suitcase packed and a conversation always ready. She never met a stranger—just a future friend or an unsuspecting audience for one of her many stories. Jan thrived in the company of family and friends. If there was a table of Scrabble players, a shopping sale, or a party in progress, you could bet Jan was already there, leading the charge. She was a force of nature and made every moment count.

Jan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Alvin Brezinsky, in 1978, as well as her parents, Harry and Minnie, and her siblings, Merle, Alan, and Marion. She is survived by her children, Ira (Michelle), Laura, Sarah (Michael), and Keith (Cyd); her grandchildren, Kristyn (Nathan), Ellen, Robert, Adam (Alysa), Katrina, Bianca, Michael (Juliana), and Cody; her adored great-grandchildren, Abigail, Madeline, Sophia, Cooper, Mara, Misha, and Gemma; her sister, Rita Zeffert; her niece, Rebecca Ahlfors; and great-nephews Harry and Sam, along with numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews who were all touched by her love and generosity.

After graduating from Girls’ Latin School in Boston in the early 50’s, Jan was accepted into Boston University, where she attended for a year before leaving to marry and raise a family. Once her children were grown, she returned to school, earning her bachelor’s degree in business from Boston State College. She went on to build a career, working for Coopers & Lybrand and later Pitney Bowes. After raising her family in Belmont, MA, Jan moved to West Palm Beach, FL, in the 1990s, where she continued to make new friends and live life to the fullest.

Jan was a woman of remarkable energy and ambition, always embracing new adventures with enthusiasm. She believed life was meant to be lived boldly, conversations should never be cut short, and if there was a better seat in the house, you should absolutely ask for it. She embarked on an around-the-world trip, soaked up the ocean air, and completed multi-day
charity walks in Holland. In her 60s, she became a licensed massage therapist and maintained her license for over a decade. Never one to slow down, she ran a half marathon at 80, proving she was truly unstoppable.

A proud member of the Jewish community, she embraced tradition, connection, and the joy of shared experiences. Jan spent three months volunteering for the Israeli army in the 1980s—an experience that led to a beautiful relationship with Leslie Cohen that lasted another 20 years until his passing. Later in life, Jan continued to find love and companionship. In her late 70s, she met Sheldon Notgarnie, with whom she shared a deep and loving relationship until his passing in 2023. In August 2024, she relocated to Longmeadow, MA for one final adventure.

Jan was fierce, loving, and unapologetically herself. The world is quieter without her, but her spirit (and let’s be honest, her opinions) will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the conversations we’re never quite ready to end.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 12pm on Sunday, February 23, at Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity, 130 Pine Street, Florence, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, supporting a cause that was close to her heart.