Janice L. Thompson, 91, of the Town of Newburgh, NY passed away unexpectedly at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Westchester on Friday March 7th 2025. Janice was born on December 16, 1933 in Huguenot, NY to the late Melvin Jenks and Emily Picton. She was married to the late Lysander J. Thompson.

Janice taught reading, English, and French at Highland Middle school until her retirement in 1997. She was well known to be a strong advocate for her students as well as a mentor and friend to her colleagues.

After retirement, Janice pursued her passion for bowling. Not only was she a bowler, she was also a league officer for the bowling association. She participated in as many as 5 leagues in a season, as well as in many tournaments. She proudly boasted that she was invited and participated in the Senior Nationals in Cincinnati where she came in 7th place. Janice was inducted in the Mid-Hudson Bowling Hall of Fame in 2024.

Janice’s love of teaching continued after retirement. She traveled to Albany, NY for many years to score teacher certification examinations for the National Evaluation Systems of New York. She volunteered for Dutchess/Sullivan Hospices with patients and in the office for many years. She received the volunteer of the year award for her time there.

She was heavily involved at Good Shepard Church and ran the soup kitchen and food pantry. When Good Shepard closed, she became a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Walden, NY. She was involved in all church activities including the Montgomery Food Pantry, an outreach of the church.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Janice is survived by her daughter; Beth Roth, (Michael) of Poughkeepsie; grandchildren, Jessica Roth of Philadelphia and Brian Roth of Poughkeepsie; brothers, Melvin "Buck" Jenks (Regina) of Tucson, AZ; John Jenks of Ennis Montana; sisters Marie Sheehey of Tucson, AZ and Evelyn Rave of Dallas Texas; many nieces and nephews, step-son Jonathan Thompson (Kim); step-grandchildren, William Thompson and Matthew Thompson of Middletown.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Lysander; sister, Emily, twin sister Joyce, Sister-in Law Paula, brothers-in-law Ralph, Earl and Walt.

As per Janice’s wishes; in leu of flowers contributions may be made to the Town of Montgomery Food Pantry 200 State Route 208 Montgomery, NY 12549; Hospice of Orange and Sullivan 800 Stony Brook Court Newburgh, NY 12550 or Cancer research donate.v.org

Visitation will be held on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 3-7 PM at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc .39 Orchard St. Walden, NY 12586 (845) 778-3811 gridleyhoran.com

Funeral Services will be held on Friday March 21, 2025 at 11 AM at the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 15 Walnut Street Walden, NY 12586.

Burial to follow in the Union Cemetery in Mongaup Valley, NY.