Some of us pass through this life quietly, day to day, not realizing how much our words and our work touches the lives of others.  And to leave a lasting legacy, touching lives in the community and hearts with kindness and love is exactly what Janet N. Mayer will be remembered for and honored.

Janet was born in Central Bridge on January 12, 1937 to Dorothy (Warner) and Edward Eckerson, graduated with Middleburgh Central School's Class of 1954, then attended business school where she learned to type 100 words per minute and write shorthand 120 words per minute.

She served the Village of Middleburgh faithfully and dutifully for 41 years as Village Clerk, filing away more information about the village than the seven mayors she served beside. She loved the village and took great pride in this community.  She was passionate about the Youth Commission and the village pool; the Fire Department and any other entity or organization that helped improve her beautiful community.  Janet was awarded many accolades through the years and perhaps proudest of being named "The MAYER of Middleburgh," before retiring.

Janet was active within the community too, with the Methodist Church, the Century Club, the Cooperative Club numerous other activities and groups and served as Vice-President of the School Board from 1979-1984. She also enjoyed four decades with her long-time love Richard Sewell, traveling to the Caribbean and spending time at their cottage in Ogunquit, Maine.

All of this, while raising her 4 boys, mostly by herself.  And they were not easy boys either, though Janet ruled with an iron fist or rather a leather belt, when needed. She raised them well and never missed a game or event that they were involved in. They all had their own section of the fenced-in lawn to mow, but the four sections were never mowed at the same time and some wondered if the fence was to keep people and critters out, or to keep her boys in.  There was always a ball being thrown in that yard, a basketball game, cars or Harleys in the driveway and the occasional police car, just checking in.

There were always cookies in the cookie jar and love and advice in her kitchen and in her heart. Her boys were always there for her too, caring for her.  It's a proud mother who can say that all of her children live within three miles of her.  She taught them love and they learned to share that love, growing families of their own.  She loved and respected her daughters-in-law and was loved and respected by them, even through differing opinions, which often comes when there is more than one strong woman in a man's life. But these "adopted" daughters were always there for her, helping with the holiday meals, making sure she had flowers for her front porch or taking her for rides around town in a red convertible, because red was Janet's favorite color.

And one of her most cherished roles in life was that of Grandma.  Pages of memories written, including trips to the pharmacy or 5 & 10 Cent Store for treats and toys, flying down the road hitting the humps to take flight, countless slides and jumps down and off the Sesame Street playset, dressing up in grandma's clothes, jewelry, red shoes and fur coats, back yard picnics, Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, hearing her singing Happy Birthday over the phone that morning, picking something from the Avon lady when Mrs. Stein came to visit, admiring her ability to keep goldfish, some even outlasting Mayors themselves, to a candy drawer that never seemed to stay full more than 48 hours or so, Janet's grandchildren and great-grandchildren filled every spare moment of her time and heart and they knew it and cherished her equally.

Loving her forever are her sons: Richard (Tracy) Standhart, David (Pamela) Standhart

Timothy (Connie) Standhart and Patrick Mayer; her grandchildren and the sparkle in her eyes:

Shannon Standhart, Austin Standhart, Cody (Lindsey) Standhart, Lindsay (Dalton) Jacquier,

Griffin Standhart, Nadine Standhart (Dalton Bashwinger), Lauren Mayer, Emily Mayer:

Her five great-grandchildren: Casen, Callum, Caralena, Clara Standhart and Colton Jacquier and baby Jacquier expected later this month.; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews; her successor and Clerk colleagues: Melanie Laraway, Brenda Lawyer and Renee Schmidt who learned from her vast experience; and colleagues Dale Nunamann and other members of the Village crew whom she kept the maintenance and construction side of the Village working with; along with many friends including her life-long friend from Elementary School, Barbara Benham.

And her family would like to thank Janet's caregivers for their steadfast and unwavering care, through her last breath, including: Holly Smigiel Trombley, Holli Cook, Michele Kobl, Madi Bevins, Carol Adams, Valerie Sweeney, Sue Bortel, Pam Blyth, Michelle Richardson, Kim Ryan, Laura Mead and Krystal Seaburg. Janet's family is eternally grateful for all their help and thank them beyond words.

Janet was predeceased by her brothers: William Miller, Edward "Sonny" Eckerson; her sister: Virginia Farone; her companion Richard Sewell; two of her caregivers: Toni Smigiel and Tina Czyszczon; and many friends, all with whom she is now reuniting.

All are invited to visit with Janet's family from 5:00-7:00PM on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street Middleburgh, NY 12122.

A Funeral service will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 22, 2025 also at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Middleburgh Cemetery.

Janet's family requests memorial donations in her honor be sent to the Middleburgh Youth Commission, PO Box 789 Middleburgh, NY 12122 or the Middleburgh Library, PO Box 670, Middleburgh, NY 12122