SOUTHBURY, Conn. – Janet Fietsam Hale passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, in Southbury. She was 92 years old. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, to Raymond Fietsam and Louise (Butler) Fietsam, it was evident at an early age that education would play a central role in her life.
The pursuit of education and continuous learning was paramount to Janet. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree from Cornell University in Human Ecology. Janet dedicated her professional career to the education of young minds at the University of Massachusetts, and as a home economics teacher at Newfield High School where she taught until she retired. It was at Cornell where she met Richard Hale, her beloved husband of 59 years. They lived in Glastonbury and Manchester, Conn., before settling in Ithaca, N.Y., and were together until his passing in 2018.
As avid travelers, Jan and Rich embarked on many adventures, always immersing themselves in local culture, traditions and history. She shared her love of travel with her family, organizing many trips to learn, relax and enjoy precious time together. Nature, especially perennial and vegetable gardening, was another passion. You could always find Jan with her hands in the dirt or strolling for inspiration through the Cornell Botanic Gardens. Cooking for her family and friends was another favorite pastime, with a special fondness for Chinese cuisine. In retirement, Jan embraced new passions, mastering bridge and joining book clubs, where she found both friendship and engaging challenges.
The greatest joy of her life was watching her three boys mature into fine young men, find their soulmates, and create beautiful families. Jan also cherished time with her four grandchildren who knew her as “Gran.” They have many fond memories of time together on family trips and gatherings, including sitting on the dock with her and Pops at Caspian Lake; laughing, sharing stories, and savoring bowls of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
Janet’s legacy is carried on by her sons: Allen Hale (Anne Day), Brian Hale (Maria), and Steven Hale (Erika), in addition to her beloved grandchildren, Noah, Olivia, Phoebe and Owen Hale.
An internment and celebration of life service will be held this summer in Greensboro, Vt. Donations in Janet’s memory can be made to: RVNAhealth Hospice Care: rvnahealth.org/donate and Habitat for Humanity: habitat.org/donate.
