One of our dear friends and neighbor, Jan Kessinger, lost her life on Cat Island in September of 2017. Her Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 to a standing room only congregation at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Arthur’s Town. Below are the images of the memorial service booklet. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends. We miss you Jan.
Remembrances of Jan Kessinger by Stephen Faber and delivered by James Honeycutt, her friends and neighbors from Pigeon Cay.
This past Thursday our family celebrated Thanksgiving on Cat Island for the seventeenth year. Jan was always part of our celebration and we missed her dearly. And in reflecting we have a lot to be thankful for knowing Jan.
There is so much to admire about Jan. This courageous woman came to live on Cat Island, drawn by the peacefulness, the wonderful people, the gorgeous beaches and the spirituality of this special place. How brave she was to settle here, on her own, determined to create the life she wanted, and she did.
We came to this wonderful place for the same reasons. Over the many years that I have known Jan we became great friends. Our discussions over dinner, a few glasses of wine, or a drive to the store were always lively. I guess you can say we were both opinionated. We shared stories of family, especially the grandkids, and life on Cat Island. What stood out most is how much Jan cared about the Cat Island community. How she helped Sammy T while he was building his dream resort. She put her all; in rooting for success. Sure, she could be strong willed, and I know what some of you are thinking, but let me tell you this: You had no better person cheering for Cat Islanders than Jan.
I remember Jan sharing with me her concerns about Rake and Scrape this, and Rake and Scrape that. Sometimes she drove me nuts with all of her concerns, but in the end it always came together. Then another year…and another year…I don’t know how many, and the stories are now a memory but… we all know how she continuously volunteered her time and energy again rooting for a successful event.
Then there is the Human Society and her work to spay and neuter island animals. I do not know exactly how many cats and dogs were done but I’m sure the answer is a lot. Raising money to pay for the vet’s visit to Cat; Jan always hit me and others up for the cause. A few of you may still have the tablets from the raffle. And she volunteered for the cancer awareness program on Cat. Again; Jan giving of time and energy. I’m sure there are many more stories. Jan was always involved and dedicated to some local cause.
Cat Island was her home. She loved the community and the people and wanted to make it a better place for all. I think we can all agree that she succeeded. Thank you Janice Kessinger, you will surely be missed and always remembered.
