Janel M. Schaible

Janel M. Schaible of Rotterdam, NY passed away May 17, 2021. She was 67.

The best wife, mom and grandmother anyone could ask for, Janel was born on August 21, 1953 in Wichita, Kansas. The third of four children, Janel was a caretaker for her family from an early age, developing a close relationship with her little brother, Jerry, who had Down syndrome. Janel took pride in teaching Jerry how to read and was his lifelong advocate and friend.

Janel met the love of her life, David, in 1972 in Idyllwild, California. They married later that year in Albany, NY, beginning a beautiful life together that spanned almost five decades. In 1977, they welcomed daughter Sarah, and in 1983, son Jeff.

Janel worked for New York State for parts of two decades, but spent many years at home with her two children. Janel made their childhood magical: from family vacations to Virginia Beach or the Great Escape theme park to myriad camping trips and Chuck E. Cheese birthday parties, she was the architect of family fun. But what Janel really loved most was Christmas with her family. She worked part-time in retail to help Santa bring nearly every single present on her kids and grandkids lists. Her generosity for her family was unmatched, and she instilled that spirit and love of the holiday in both her kids.

Janel had endless patience for her family, but absolutely none for bad customer service, spotty internet, cold rooms or substandard restaurants. She hated to have her photo taken, but filled countless albums and hundreds of frames with pictures of her children and grandchildren. Janel loved to laugh and share silly stories of her grandkids, who brought her infinite joy and smiles.

In her later years, Janel was an avid and talented quilter and a proud member of the Schenectady’s Quilter’s Guild, where she made many quilts for veterans, as well as many friends. She loved flowers, gardening, the ocean and yearly trips to Disney World. Even when she was robbed of her eyesight, she still loved to read, especially anything from Stephen King.

Janel was a fighter, a storyteller, a collector and a creator of memories. She loved without conditions, and will be missed forever.

Janel leaves behind her beloved husband David, of Rotterdam, NY; her wonderful daughter Sarah and her husband Joseph, of Rotterdam; her cherished son Jeff and his wife Emily, of West Hartford, CT and five beautiful grandchildren: Angel, Gabby, Luke, Nate and Annie.

A memorial will be held at Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont, NY 12009from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 21. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janel’s name can be made to the Special Olympics.