Originally written by Carl White.
I’ve met some of the nicest people in the Greenwich Library Oral History Project. They’re dedicated to preserving historical information for posterity. These volunteers interview local people, who have first-hand knowledge of important historical people and events. The members are indeed warm, friendly, and conscientious people. Janet Klion was no exception.
Janet was born on January 15, 1928, in New Rochelle NY to Grace and Ralph Tucker. She graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1945, and Smith College in 1949. In 1951, she married Stanley Ring Klion. They were married for 43 years until Stanley died in 1994. Like many upwardly mobile couples, she and her husband moved around as his job required, and they lived near Philadelphia, Boston, and New York. During this time, they also managed to raise 3 daughters. They moved to Greenwich in 1980.
Janet worked in publishing, libraries, and commercial bookstores. She was an accomplished artist and photographer. In 1992, she accompanied the US Paralympics Team to Barcelona to photograph the athletes. (Janet liked to photograph athletes with special disabilities). She used to hand out newspaper clippings to various people, which were lovingly called “Klion Klips.” Since she was an avid and accomplished tennis player, she was nicknamed “Ace.”
Janet was active in the community. She was a member of the Greenwich Daffodil Society and sang with the Holly Hill Tones. As a graduate, she was active in the Smith College Alumnae Club. Janet belonged to the Stamford Photography Club. A serious bibliophile, she donated books to the community.
Janet was a volunteer in the OHP from 1996 until her death. Her greatest contribution came through the hundreds of interviews she had with World War II veterans for the Oral History Project. She was very interested in Civil War history and collected materials on President Lincoln, Gettysburg, and various Lincoln bookplates. Janet even donated some of her Civil War materials to the Greenwich Library Local History collection. Because of her work, readers will get an understanding of the sacrifices and contributions many of our veterans made to protect our freedom. This is an important part of our country’s history.
Janet Klion was a very kind and generous person. She was admired by her peers. Always considerate of other people, she believed in performing “random acts of kindness.” She was an important member of the Oral History Project, who contributed much to the organization. Many will remember her for a long time.
Janet Tucker Klion passed away on April 18, 2016. A memorial service was held at Congregation Emanu-El in Rye NY.
SOURCE:
Greenwich Time; Hearst Media Services, Connecticut; accessed on June 10, 2016.
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