Thank you Ginny, reading this beautiful obituary somehow helped with my sadness. Jan was a mentor and an inspiration from the day I first started at the YWCA. Her contributions and courage were always at the heart of that organization. I was always so proud of her.

In memory of Janice A. Neffke and in honor of her stalwart work towards civil rights, we have donated to the ACLU of Pennsylvania. May her memory bless the future of justice.

Ginny, I was extremely sad to hear of Jan's death. Alma told me. You have my deepest sympathy. A great loss. She and I garnered a number of groups to sign off on a letter to the editor after 9/11 asking the public not to act out against perceived Arabs or Muslims. Please inform me when the memorial is scheduled. Fondly, Lea

Jan will be greatly missed by our family as she will be by so many friends and political collaborators. Thru the last 40+ years I have heard of all the things she has done for humanity and our planet. I am proud to have known such a fighter. I lived these causes thru Ginny and Jan. Neither one of them ever gave up or gave in to pessimism, but rather celebrated the victories and committed to try ever harder to overcome obstacles, always supporting each other along the way. Having such a partnership is to be admired. Jan Neffke, a life well lived!!

Dear Ginny,

Thanks you for the beautiful story of Jan's life.

It takes me back to meeting in her in 1963, when we were on the Allegheny County Council on Civil Rights Board.

Her organizing of buses to the March on Washington made it such a success.

I'm so happy that you found one another. We'll both hold her in our hearts forever.

Love, Molly

Ginny, I'm sorry for your loss. I've lost track of how many years I've known you and Jan. I appreciate the good she did over all that time. That goes for you, too. Hope you are well.

Ginny

Vince and I were shocked to read of Jan's passing. Her obituary was a beautiful tribute to a great lady. We hope the memories of her love and her life can soften your sadness.

Godspeed to a gentle, quiet soul who loved and was much loved. Your strength gave my dear friend Ginny , wings so that she could fly and speak truths that needed to be heard.

May the Family find some comfort with the words of Jesus Christ when he had spoken them in John 5:28,29 about a time when he will resurrect her back to life again and then she will be able to live forever on this earth,as the Bible says in Psalm 37:29 which says: The righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it. So may these words bring an everlasting feeling of comfort for the future when all these words will have come true and she will be living under Jehovah Gods Heavenly Kingdom rule in the hands of Jesus Christ. So visit JW.org to find many other promises of Jehovah God thru Jesus Christ.

Dear Ginny and all of Jan's family and loved ones,

I met Jan in the late '80s when I came to the YWCA as a new lawyer and director of Legal Resources for Women, a new program of the YWCA. It didn't take long to figure out that Jan was the heart and soul and conscience of the YWCA. She was generous with her time and insight and helped me navigate the sometimes murky waters of the organization. Through her I came to understand exactly what the power structure there was about and where the landmines were. Her dedication to social justice was motivating and affirming. As much as I admired and respected Jan, I always knew that I was just one in a long line of people who shared that sentiment. She was simply a dear and inspiring person from whom I learned so much.

My deepest condolences on this huge loss. Jan will always have a place in my heart.

Chris Miller

Dear Ginny and all other family members,

I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s sudden passing. Jan and you were always so welcoming to me and Bill (or Montgomery to some!). I can’t believe she is gone. I am so happy we got a chance to visit in September. Please know I am sending a warm embrace and hope I can be there to celebrate Jan’s wonderful life of dedication to justice for all.

Sending all my love and solidarity.

Sandi Sherman

Words can not express the heartbreak we feel. Of hearing this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and especially Ginny❤️

Ginny:

I met Jan before you when I first came to Pittsburgh, so many years ago, before the Cuba work, while she was working to form the Alliance for Progressive etc. and the anti-Iraq war work. She was a deep root, a person one felt comfortable going into battle with. I don't remember anymore when I found out you were partners, but I envied you both for your devotion and love...and over the years, in the many times we encountered each other at all the peace and justice events...the visibility of your bond...that unconditional love...the tranquility shining in both of you eyes when you were in the same room.

I know words cannot express the profound loss you are enduring. The shock, but I can only offer those things people say because there is nothing to be said that can encompass the abyss.

If there is anything I could do, please know I am at your service 24/7.

Jan, definitely left a legacy in every action she took, her deliberation, her determination, her principles. What a joy for her to also have you, your dogs, and the love of time and place, including vodka! To have a best friend, companion, enduring love AND be able to devote one's life to justice, it is life well lived.

...... all we can do, is keep on, carry on, and add her to the shoulders of the giants we stand on.

Love, love, and more than one glass will be lifted in her name.

Dear Ginny,

May your memories of your life with Jan, and knowing how many are holding you in their thoughts, bring you comfort in the days ahead. The piece about her life, her life's work, and her life partnership with you was beautifully written and a moving tribute that will inspire so many.

(Thank you for specifying the Thomas Merton Center for donations.)

All my best to you,

Pam Greenhouse (Jesse's human)

Dear Ginny,

We stand with you in your loss. Jan's loving spirit will be missed. Her efforts to create a more just world moved us and Pittsburgh forward. In her spirit we will continue. Peace.

Many condolences and much solidarity for you, Ginny, at this terrible time.

I was deeply shocked to see the face book message that Jan had died and my heart goes out to Ginny and all who loved her.

She was such a wonderful alive person and she and Ginny such a devoted couple. it is very hard to think she is no longer living in their lovely house in Shadyside and doting on the dogs.

With all good wishes and love

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and the tragic way Jan died. I will hold you, Ginny, and the whole rest of the family in the Light.

Dear Ginny,

I feel blessed to have met Jan and to experience first hand the affection you had for each other let alone her humor. My thoughts are with you as you navigate this difficult time.

Love,

Chris

Deepest condolences to Ginny and Jan’s family and friends. Jan was a remarkable woman whose legacy will endure for all who knew her and for many others whose lives were bettered by her work for social justice.

Dear Ginny, I was so deeply sadden to hear of Jan’s death from Chris. I know that words don’t mean much at a time like this. I wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you and that you have my deepest condolences. Love, Weezie

Ginny, I know your loss and that of our universe. I grieve with you.

Dear Ginny,

Reading the obituary of your beloved Jan makes me wish I had known her. What a wonderful and rich life you have had together! My heart aches for the sadness you must feel, but celebrates the happiness you obviously brought each other. I, too, heard Martin Luther King speak at the 1963 March Jan helped build. I feel the same way Jan did , that it was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I am so glad in these times for those like you and Jan. Janice A. Neffke, presente!

❤️ Barbara

I am so sorry to hear of Jan's death, but very moved by the beautiful tribute to her life.

ONE MORE THING:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION IN JAN'S HONOR TO A PEACE AND JUSTICE ORGANIZATION THAT JAN AND GINNY HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY SUPPORTING, PLEASE DONATE TO PITTSBURGH'S THOMAS MERTON CENTER (TMC) at 5129 Penn Ave. Pgh PA 15224. Thank you GH

Dearest Ginny, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Jan. We instantly connected due to the similarities of our last names.I have such sweet memories of Jan at your TMC Garden parties. Jan was the quiet helper and she and I were the taste testers of all of the food brought in the party. She was so gentle with people and animals. I truly enjoyed her company. Please know you have my love, prayers and support as you navigate through this difficult time.

Sincerely, Linda Neff(and Chris too).

Emily is overseas and I just sent her the beautiful tribute from the paper.