Date of Birth February 5, 1944
Date Deceased January 26, 2022
Hometown North Hornell
Home State N.Y.
Service Date February 2, 2022
Service Time 11 a.m.
Service Location United Presbyterian Church, Hornell
Interment Location Bath National Cemetery

Janet M. Van Brunt

NORTH HORNELL-Janet M. Van Brunt, 77, passed away peacefully, early Wednesday morning (Jan. 26, 2022) at her home on Cleveland Avenue, after a battle with cancer.

Born in Manhattan, NY on Feb. 5, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Frederick and Dorothy (Hahn) Brodman.

She was a graduate of Port Jefferson High School in Port Jefferson, NY and attended Cameron State College in Lawton, OK and SUNY Morrisville.

A former resident of Sherburne, NY, Janet was employed in administrative positions at TACO in Sherburne, and Victory Markets and the Chenango-Unadilla Phone Company both in Norwich NY.

In August of 1987 Janet and her family moved to North Hornell. She was employed as a senior administrative assistant for the School Psychology Department at Alfred University from August of 1988 to her retirement in January of 2004.

Janet was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell where she served as a trustee, deacon, an elder and a member of the choir. While residing in Sherburne she was a member of the Sherburne United Methodist Church and their choir. Since a young age Janet was a member of several other choirs. She was an avid lover of nature and the environment who passed along her passion to others, including as a leader of 4-H.

Since her retirement she became an extremely talented, self-taught artist. Her artistry was reflected not only in her paintings but in her personal fashion, home décor and landscaping. Her other passions included history, archeology and travel. She will be remembered as a devoted friend to many people around the globe and all walks of life.

Her loving surviving family includes her husband of 58 years, James B. Van Brunt, whom she married in Ridge, NY on Nov. 2, 1963; three sons, James (Rebecca) Van Brunt of Waldorf, MD, Robert (Deb Caraco) of Ithaca, NY and Michael (Heather Daly) of Montclair, NJ; six grandchildren, Heather, Hailey, Desiree, Devin, Liam and Sean; one great-granddaughter, Malia; one sister, Loretta (Gary) Farmer of Grove City, OH; and one brother, Frederick Brodman of Rocky Point, NY.

Calling hours are 6-8 p.m. Monday (Jan. 31, 2022) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to join her family at the United Presbyterian Church sanctuary, 150 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 1, 2022), with the Rev. Katherine Griffis officiating. Those attending in person will be required to wear a face mask at the funeral home and church. The service will be live streamed and may be seen either on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or on the homepage of www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com. (please see link for live stream) for 30 days beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 1, 2022). Interment will be at Bath National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either the United Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 150 Main St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to CareFirst (Hospice), 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Janet’s family with the arrangements.

To leave your own personal remembrance or condolence you may click on the link below or visit the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

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12 Responses

  1. My beautiful aunt. I will miss her dearly. My biggest regret is allowing life to get in the way of seeing her more often during my adult years. She and her family were a huge presence in my life growing up and I am honored to call them family. I will see you when I get to heaven, Aunt Janet. Say hello to Grandma for me. I love and will miss you dearly. All my love, “Kertie”

  2. We are so sorry to learn of this Jim and family. We couldn’t believe this because Janet always seemed so well. You have our deepest condolences.

    Ruth, John and Johnathan Halpenny

  3. VanBrunt Family: So sorry for your loss as loved your Mom and your family!

    Loved babysitting for your family and your house was beautiful as was your Mom and Grandma VanBrunt who lived across street from me growing up!

    Cherish all of your great times and memories together and keep them close to your heart! Love, hugs, thoughts and prayers are with you all!

  4. My heart, love and prayers go out to Jim and the family. I knew Janet for a little over two years and she was one of my favorite people. I truly loved her and so enjoyed our time together. Luckily, we saw she and Jim as much as we did and so enjoyed our cruise in October. I cherish those two weeks. God Bless you, Janet, though I am sure Heaven is a lot more fun than it was a few days ago. Love you

  5. Mike,
    My thoughts and prayers for your mom and your family. She sounds like a remarkable woman. Its always tough to lose your mom or dad. Take care.
    George

  6. To Jim and the family,

    We’re so sorry that Janet has been taken from us.
    I first met Janet when I was 11 and she was 9. I was in the 6th grade and Janet was in the 5th, and as we attended a four-room schoolhouse our two grades were in the same room.
    After high school our lives took different paths until we rekindled our friendship about 10 years ago.
    Since then, Lucy and I were able to see and visit with Janet and Jim a number of times, both here in Florida and also in Hornell.
    We shall miss Janet’s smiling face and
    wonderful attitude as time moves on but have faith that our paths will indeed, cross again.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet, and with Jim and the family during this time.

    Ray & Lucy

  7. Friend Jim, it is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of your precious Janet. She was surely the Jewel in your Family Crown. I cannot help but think of the grand times we all had together. You must always remember the wonderful things that you and Janet have accomplished together which will continue to survive and grow.

    May you have peace, serenity and acceptance and may her memory be eternal!

    Love

    John

  8. Our deepest sympathies to Jim and Family. Janet was a good person and a wonderful friend. We will miss for. Rest In Peace Janet.

  9. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Janet fondly from days dancing and singing with her in the Sherburne Music Theater Society. She was a gem and I am glad to have known her.

  10. Jim and boys – Janet was one of my favorite people in my early years in Norwich. I remember her in Sherburne musicals and at Cornell football games. She always had a smile and a bright outlook. I was incredibly saddened to read of her passing, but I know she will always be remembered fondly by Donna and me. God bless you all.

  11. To Jim and family. We were saddened to hear about Janet’s passing. She was a good person and a great friend. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace Janet.

  12. So sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Van Brunt. She was a beloved friend of our family and I have so many wonderful childhood memories with her and her family. I will always remember her infectious smile and laugh. She was always such a Gina be happy person to be around. I hope she is reunited in heaven with my mom who would be thrilled to spend time with her. My condolences to those she leaves behind. I know she will be greatly missed.

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