Janet Greenberg

May 9th, 2023

Dear Joel, Michael, and Family,
I am deeply sorry and saddened by the death of our dear Jann. She was a wonderful, caring, kind, loving woman and I was always happy to see her. We first met when Michael was at Grove School. I was a Speech/Language Pathologist in Northbrook District 27 and knew her for most of my adult life and career, as a parent, school board member, and then as a colleague. Jann and I always greeted each other with a warm hug and smile. She always asked about my family and to see pictures of my children. Jann was a truly genuine person and a good soul. I only have fond memories with Jann. I will miss her greatly. May your happy memories with her help to ease your grief. May G-d grant you peace and comfort. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Hugs, love, and prayers,
Tammy Katz

~Tammy Katz
~NB27 Colleague and Friend, Deerfield, IL

April 25th, 2023

I first met Jann when I was Michael’s Kindergarten teacher. She was one of my favorite parents! Later I saw her often when she served on the school board and was later secretary at Hickory Point School. She always greeted me so warmly and was very interested in my life. She was a pearl for all of our lives! I will always miss her smile and her caring nature!

~Meg Pyterek
~Friend, Glenview, Illinois

April 20th, 2023

Jann had a golden soul. Words fail to describe the impact she had on the many, many people she influenced with her loving, accepting, gentle spirit. I knew her in her role as a parent, colleague, District 27 School Board member and board president, and dear friend. In the years we worked together, I never saw Jann angry or anxious, and despite the demands of her job, always pleasant and welcoming. In her many roles in District 27, Jann knew many people, so many connections, but her focus never strayed from the person she was with, moment to moment. Jann’s fine character of kindness and respect reminded me to be my best self. She was the the best mentor by example. I was simply awestruck by Jann’s goodness, and will continue to be so in her memory.

One summer Jann and I attended an outdoor music performance together. While we were working our way around the crowd toward our seats, an elderly woman spotted Jann, walked toward her, smiling with wide out stretched arms. She gave Jann an exhuberent embrace and planted a solid kiss smack dab on her cheek. When this woman realized in horror that she had just kissed a perfect stranger, she said to Jann, “Shit! I thought you were Mrs. Love.”

And she truly was a Mrs. Love.

Nancy Meyer, District 27

~Nancy Meyer
~Colleague/friend, Oak Park, Illinois

April 19th, 2023

I first met Jann when she was a District 27 school board member. She always supported what was best for the teachers and the District. Later, as the face of Hickory Point, Jann made students, parents, and teachers feel special by her quick laugh, kind words, and endearing smile. Jann will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched. May her memory be for a blessing.

Helene Spak

~Helene Spak
~Colleague and friend, Northbrook

April 18th, 2023

We fondly remember Jann as a true blessing and dear soul. She brought light to each day and she will be deeply missed. She was a gift.

~Curt and Marilyn Johnson
~Colleague and friend, Durango, CO

April 18th, 2023

We met Jan and Joel through our son who played hockey with Michael. Jan was a remarkable mother and friend. We had good times at hockey tournaments and at parties either at her house or ours. She will be in our prayers forever.

Candy and David Arnburg

~Candy and David Arnburg
~Friends, Northbrook

April 17th, 2023

I first met Jann in the 1980’s when her daughter enrolled in one of my drama classes at the Northbrook Park District. We instantly felt a connection and spent time chatting whenever we had a free moment. I continued to see her throughout our careers in District 27. She was such a good person. I keep her in my heart.

~Marcy Thaw
~colleague, IL

April 17th, 2023

Mrs. Greenberg made Charlemagne and Hickory Point brighter with her joy, wisdom, and compassion. She remained one of my loudest cheerleaders well after I “graduated” HP, and it’s comforting to know she’ll continue to cheer me on as I continue through life.

~Samantha Kelly
~Neighbor, HP Student, Northbrook, IL

April 17th, 2023

Mrs. Greenberg made Charlemagne and Hickory Point a brighter place to be. She stayed one of my loudest cheerleaders well after I “graduated” HP, and it’s a comfort to know that she’ll be able to see my achievements firsthand now.

~Samantha Kelly
~Neighbor, HP Student, Northbrook, IL

April 16th, 2023

First, I met Jann and family when teaching Michael at Wood Oaks Jr. High. What I didn’t know that the relationship I shared with Jann and family would turn into a special one that lasted after retiring from the district. My heart is saddened by the loss of Jann. She cared so much for everyone and did it with a smile no matter what was going on in her life. My deepest sympathy, and love go out to her family during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts right now. May the sorrow you feel now slowly begin to hold some joy as the memories of Jann bring you a smile in your life. She will to me, because she touched me in so many special ways that I will treasure always. Joan Malina

~Joan Malina
~Colleague/Family Friend, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

April 15th, 2023

Hickory Point School had a face for me for many years, it was Jann’s face. She made me feel like at home there since the day we were a new Northbrook family and I stepped in there in 2006. What an amazing human being. Easy going, thoughtful, attentive. Jann will be missed by so many.

~Olga Sherman
~HP parent, Northbrook, IL

April 14th, 2023

We all grew up on Dauphine together.
The “grownups” and the children. Block parties were fun!

~Lynn Graham
~Neighbor, Northbrook, IL

April 14th, 2023

I worked with Jann for several years. Since I work at the district office, I spoke with her more often than I saw her. When I did see her she made my day. She made everyone feel special. She loved it when they sent me over to assist with kindergarten registration. She always asked, “How long can you stay?” She was awesome. I will miss her very much. I will always remember Jann’s kindness, smile and zest for life.
~Mary Shipley

~Mary Shipley
~Colleague, Northbrook

April 14th, 2023

I knew Jann as a parent of one of my students, as a board member of District 27, and as a friend. In all those roles she helped to make the schools and the world a better place.

~Rebecca Recor
~Co-worker/colleague, Round Pond, Maine

April 14th, 2023

I worked with Jann for countless years in District 27. She was one of my favorite people! She always had a smile and took the time to ask about my family, my day, etc. She touched the lives of so many teachers, students and families. She will be missed dearly. May her memory always be a blessing.
Laura Singer

~Laura Singer
~colleague and friend, Northbrook