I want to tell you a bit about my cousin Janice Lemann, an American hero, my friend, and an artist. And also give you a peek at her California Traditional Home in Redlands. Annie and Cindy are also sharing their favorites at the moment at the end of the post.
Redlands, California is a charming, historic town in Southern California. It’s worth visiting even though I wish I was here under better circumstances.
I flew out here to visit my cousin, Janice Lemann who had been heroically battling cancer for the last few years. She was in extreme pain and passed away in her sleep while I was in the air over the Midwest. I had mixed feelings about not getting to hold her hands one last time…but relieved to have her out of pain.
Linda, Mary Ann, Janice, and Teresa, hostesses of a family wedding engagement party in San Francisco.
Bill And Janice’s Traditional California Home
Bill and Janice’s home is in Redlands, California on a tiered estate with lovely views. The interiors are a mix of traditional antiques with fresh textiles.
You can see more of Janice’s kitchen here. The post is over 10 years old but the classic kitchen still looks great.
My Cousin, Janice: Hero, Sister/Friend, Artist
American Hero
Many years ago, my cousin, Billy went to visit Dr. Janice for some dental work and fell head over heels in love with her while sitting in her chair.
Janice was a “detail” person with great focus. She studied hard and passed her exams for the Forensic Dentistry Board. In fact, she was one of the forensic dentists who identified bodies killed on 9/11.
Sister/Friend
I fell for Janice quickly too. She was reserved but offered solid advice. I could tell her anything with confidence. I loved how devoted she was to Billy (who was raised with us as a brother). So, it didn’t take long for me to love her like a sister.
Aunt Janice (on the right)
She helped throw our daughter, Alexandra’s Bridal Shower. Many don’t know this (because she was so humble) but she gifted both of Alexandra’s wedding dresses to her. The simple elegant one she wore in one of the oldest churches in Madrid and the fun, feminine one that she wore at her local reception in Santa Monica.
Janice Lemann, The Artist
The perfectionist in Janice created beautiful art in the Realism genre. I’ve shown the small painting she created of our apartment in Paris (in our dining room). Take a look at some other works of hers in their home here in Redlands.
She did the painting below of her husband as a baby with his father from the tiny old black and white photo.
Tomorrow is the remembrance service for Janice. I put together a slide show to run in the background. Pulling together all the old photos was sad but also comforting to me. So many people loved and admired her.
I also set tables around the garden with a local citrus theme.
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my favorite things with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Mary Ann
I read this on my phone, teared up, and couldn’t comment last week. This is such a lovely tribute to a wonderful woman. I know you will find comfort in all of the wonderful memories you have. Her home is absolutely lovely.
That was a lovely tribute. I remember you talking about your visits to Redlands to see your family.:) I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry about your cousin Janice. I have 6 girl cousins, so I know what you mean about having a connection like a sister. She was so talented and creative apparently. One look at her home and art can tell you that.
Take care Mary Ann. Thanks for sharing your memories and her home with us.
Thank you so much, Nancy!!
My sincere sympathies to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your cousin Janice with us with your beautiful tribute.
Thanks, Barb! Janice was just a year older than I am.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Thank you Angie.
Mary Ann,
What a lovely tribute to Janice. And thank you for highlighting how much talent and ability exists in individuals who aren’t widely-known public figures. What a lovely home and life Janice created.
We lived in Riverside for 10 years and Redlands was a wonderful respite from the rest of the “Inland Empire” — a charming community.
Glad that you can assist in her remembrance: your skills will add warmth and beauty to her memorial!
With sympathy to you and your family —
Condolences on your loss. May the happy memories give you comfort. A hero indeed.
Thanks, Rita!
My deepest sympathy to you and your cousin ‘s family. She was lucky to have you and your siblings in her life. May you find comfort with your memories.
That is so kind, Sandra.
So sorry for your loss. Janice sounds like an incredible woman. Hugs and blessings to you.
A beautiful tribute. My condolences to you and her family. Cancer is such a horrible disease.
So sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose such special people in our lives. I know and feels the loss with you. Peace and prayers to you. Thanks for sharing.
Although I didn’t know your sweet cousin personally it is clear that she was an exceptionally beautiful soul. I am so sorry for your loss. And reading your lovely tribute and sharing insights into her life is an inspiration for us to live life by her example..
Oh Rosemary! You are so right!
What an amazing artist but it sounds like she was even a more amazing human. How lucky you all were to know her.
Mary Ann,
This is such a beautiful tribute to your cousin Janet. She sounds like an amazingly talents and special lady.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you find comfort in your memories of her.
Oh Mary Ann,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
What a lovely tribute you have given to an obviously remarkable woman. So very poignant.
She was so lucky to have you and your family and vice versa.
Much love, Ellie
Mary Ann, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to a beautiful, accomplished woman who left this earth much too soon. And what a special auntie to gift her niece with those beautiful dresses. I’m sure it was thrill for both of them to share this special memory. I love the photos of Janice’s beautiful home in Redlands … and her artwork. I hope you and your family took comfort in being together while celebrating Janice’s beautiful life. xo
Dear Mary Ann,
What a beautiful post honoring a very special lady who was so dear to you. She was extremely talented, just like her cousin, and cared for all things in her life. I could tell from the photos that her home was filled with treasures and wonderful things she loved. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family as you remember Janice and the love you shared.
So kind of you Gail!!
I am so sorry
Thank you, Karen.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful cousin. You describe her as a gift for those whom she shared her life with. Sincere sympathy to you and her family.
She was a gift, Susan.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Dawn.
Wow, it is so evident she had such talent. Her eye for design and detail are impeccable. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you’re there with friends and family around you.
Yes, so good to have all the family here, Martha.
Oh Mary Ann…what a touching post. I’m so sorry for your loss, but truly a beautiful tribute to a remarkable woman. What a very sweet and recent memory about Alexandra’s wedding dresses and her bridal shower. How lovely to have a piece of art in your home to always have Janice with you.
xoxox
annie
Yes. Janice’s art that she gave us is priceless to us.
Dear Mary Ann,
I feel as though I knew your cousin, Janice. You shared so much about her. The tribute tells me how much she was loved. An exceptional lady with endless talents and with a generous heart. I thought gifting Alexandra’s wedding dresses was
very touching to hear. Being humble is a nice quality to have.
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. Glad to hear she is out of pain and no longer suffering.
I will leave you with the following.
“ Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” After I read all that you shared about Janice I thought this quote fit her perfectly.
Blessings and my condolences to you and the entire family at this very difficult time.
💗🙏💗
Perfect quote, Katherine. Thank you.
A beautiful post today. Your cousin’s ‘lending’ of both those exquisite dresses was lovely. The two of you look alike-at least to me. Her artwork is amazing—the still life with lemons looks like a photograph, it is that beautiful. An amazing woman. Thank you for this remembrance.
Thanks so much, Elle.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Janice. You describe a remarkable woman who touched many lives. I’m so sorry for your loss and pray for healing and comfort for your family. I love her home and her art—what a talent she had!
Your comment means a lot to me, Shay.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Janice. You describe a remarkable woman who touched many lives. I’m so sorry for your loss and pray for healing and comfort for your family. I love her home and her art—what a talent she had!
My condolences to you and your family. She sounds like a wonderful woman, who was loved, and gave to others. May you have wonderful memories that will make you smile as you hold her in your heart.
I am so sorry to hear the news of your cousin, Janice. My husband just passed after his battle with cancer and I know the sense of relief that comes when it is finally over. Without a doubt, cancer sucks. I hope you find peace in the coming days as you grieve and remember her gifts. xx-hb
As soon as I read that your dear cousin was from Redlands, I was taken back to my time in Loma Linda, just next door. Then I read that Janice was a dentist and wonder if she went to LLU School of Dentistry? I haven’t been back for years but remember some of the beautiful homes, more like estates, on the back roads, through the citrus groves. So much talent as an artist also! I’ve heard it said that hands can be the hardest human feature to render correctly and the anatomy in the dad’s arm and hand are amazing, as are all of the details. I love the still life as well. It sounds like she had an interesting, full life so I hope that helps bring consolation.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. Your cousin sounds like an amazing, accomplished woman and a wonderful friend.
What a thoughtful and creative post that honors your cousin. I loved that we learned more about her through her style and art. Prayers for all of your family as you mourn and celebrate her.
Thanks so much, Amy. You are so kind.
Your post illustrates what a kind, loving, creative person your dear cousin was. What a legacy. What a loss.
Yes, and I sort of feel like this pain won’t heal right away.
Mary Ann — I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a beautiful and very talented person. My her memory be a blessing. And what a lovely home she had. Such a reminder to make the most of each day. —Melba
Yes, Melba, so true about making the most of each day.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. What a lovely tribute to your wonderful cousin. Our thoughts are with you.
Thank you, April. That means a lot to me.
Beautiful post. The woman, house, paintings, wedding dress and bride -all beautiful.
Thank you so much, Courtney.