Janina Bernadette Ledet

Janina Bernadette Ledet, 58, born on March 12, 1958, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away December 30, 2017. She resided in Patterson, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.

Joseph and Cora Ledet welcomed their sixth child; the baby of the family and second daughter into the world on March 12, 1958. Now complete; the family included Eldridge an adult son from Joseph's earlier marriage; Joseph, Walter (Lavern), Zacharias (Beverly) and, Jerry (Harlene) their four sons; along with their two daughters Sarita and Janina. New Orleans, Louisiana remained home to Janina until she was about 11 years old. She was baptized and grew up in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. This aspect of her identity remained important to her all her life.

Janina was the family historian. She maintained the photo journal of the births, weddings and funerals. She attended numerous reunions and gatherings. She was also the one who remembered the birthdays and special occasions with cards, calls and often visits. If life was handing out tough times she was on the phone (when long distance calls cost a great deal) bringing sunshine to rain. 1969 was the year that the Ledets moved to Menlo Park, California. Janina attended Bethany Lutheran School through the eighth grade. She moved on to Menlo-Atherton (M-A) becoming a cheerleader, member of the journalists' team and a senior class officer. Many of you may remember those lovingly organized reunions. She remained in the M-A alumni community throughout her life.

Janina attended the University of California at Santa Cruz after high school. She received a BS in Politics and completed her student teaching before returning to the Bay Area. She found the profession that she embraced during those years. Janina loved teaching, and her students loved learning. A very special accomplishment for one of her classes was receiving a personal letter from President Obama thanking them for writing to him for his inauguration. Janina worked particularly well with those who had come from meager or demanding situations. She truly believed that every child could be successful!

Janina had talent for Math, Science and Language Arts. Her knowledge led to opportunities to excite students about the possibilities of careers in these fields. She worked in the Stanford MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science) program. She also was invited to participate in a special NASA program for teachers. Her career spanned 28 years. It included being a vice principal in San Jose, teaching in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City.
Janina suffered an aneurysm rupture on August 10, 2014. Against all odds she survived. The next three years brought many challenges, but she remained engaged with those who remained connected with her. She will be remembered and appreciated her love, kindness, sense of humor and gifting as a storyteller.

Please join us to celebrate Janina's life on January 28, 2018. We will gather at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center Elm Room, 700 Alma, Menlo Park, California, 94025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. A Delta Sigma Theta service will take place at 1:30 p.m., just before the Memorial Celebration begins at 2:00 p.m.