Janie Aylsworth

Janie Scarpone AylsworthBeloved wife, mother, and teacher, Jane “Janie” Aylsworth, age 63, passed away on Wednesday, November 23,2016.  Janie was born on June 11, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, to Margaret and Marino “Gene” Scarpone and was the eldest of seven children.  Growing up, Janie had an innate talent for teaching and dreamed of one day becoming an elementary school teacher.  A voracious learner, Janie graduated summa cum laude from Hillsdale College and obtained her Master’s Degree from Michigan State University.  Janie, known best as “Mrs. A.,” spent the past 40 years as a teacher in the Holt Public School system, spending the majority of her career teaching and nurturing first graders until her retirement in June 2016.  An avid baker, Janie was renowned for her exquisite baked goods and sweet treats.  Janie also loved to spend time gardening, reading, attending musicals, operas, and symphony concerts, and exuberantly supported her daughter Elizabeth in all of her creative endeavors.  Janie married her soulmate Charles “Chuck” Aylsworth on August 13, 1976, and together they shared forty years of love, laughter, and joy.  Janie was an inspiration to many with her unlimited passion and talent for teaching, her unwavering faith in God, and her incredible spiritual strength throughout her cancer journey—a true “earthly angel,” Sempre Coraggio.

Janie was preceded in death by her father, Gene.  Surviving family members include her husband Chuck, daughter Elizabeth, her mother Margaret, her six brothers and sisters: Jim, Jeanne, John, Jerry, Joanne, and Janet, and her black lab Bella.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, located at 2121 N. Cedar Street in Holt, MI.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 28, at 11:00 a.m. at River Terrace Church, located at 1509 River Terrace Drive in East Lansing, MI.

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23 Messages to “Janie Aylsworth

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Jennifer Rogers
November 23, 2016 at 10:04 pm

Janie was an amazing and dedicated teacher. She worked countless hours even when her health was failing. She taught across the hall from me. She will be missed.

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Bridget, Luke, Toby and Lena Smith
November 23, 2016 at 10:20 pm

Janie was a truly wonderful person. She had a way of making each and every kid (and adult) feel special. We will never forget you, Mrs. A.

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Amy Mondoskin
November 23, 2016 at 11:32 pm

I will always remember Janie’s endearing dedication to her friends and students with her soft spoken words, loving heart and kind smile. She had a passion for teaching and caring for her students like no other. My daughter was blessed to have her in first grade for which I will always be grateful. She has made a lasting impression on those who knew her and I will always remember and now treasure the conversations and laughs we shared outside my classroom.

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Heidi Metzger
November 24, 2016 at 1:10 am

Mrs. A as she was known to my kids was so wonderful. All 3 of my kids had her for kindergarten and in the summer they would go to her house just to say hi. She loved each and every child dearly and she was a truly dedicated teacher. She will be missed! Sending prayers to her family during this difficult time.

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Walt Sutterlin
November 24, 2016 at 7:36 am

Jaynie and I met through email when I first came to HPS. She and my mom, in NC, were diagnosed close to the same time and she became a surrogate and mentor to me in teaching and in grief. She then became prayer partners with my mom directly. Janie’s strength and constant communication of peace and joy, regardless the pain she was in, was steadfast and positive right through this week. All fights must end, but the love Janie shared and grew with, my family directly and, generations of 1st graders is a legacy unmatched. Janie may now fully know God’s peace that she shared so freely while she was with us.

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Lori, Cory, Talan and Peyton Blue
November 24, 2016 at 10:39 am

Mrs. Aylsworth holds a very special place in our family’s hearts as well as many of the kids’ hearts she touched. She truly was an amazing teacher and caring individual. My son was so lucky to have her for first grade and my daughter would’ve also this year. Her love of teaching made a special impact on so many kids’ lives. We will miss her dearly and send prayers of peace and comfort to her family.

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Dana and Vicki Viges
November 24, 2016 at 10:42 am

What a graceful woman Janie was. I knew her more as a Mom of the Holt Choir family. Vicki knew her has a fellow teacher in the Holt District. She fault a valiant fight. Our prayers are with the family.

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Karie Knight
November 24, 2016 at 11:28 am

I had the very distinct pleasure of working with Mrs. A. Her soft voice and kind heart were and inspiration to us all at Wilcox. She will be truly missed. May her legacy of love and kindness live forever in our hearts. Love to your family and many prayers for comfort.

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Jamie Gillahan
November 24, 2016 at 11:42 am

I didn’t know Mrs. Alysworth for very long. I met her last year while working as the crossing guard in front of Wilcox Elementary. It was truly a pleasure to see her at the cross walk, with her husband, each morning, always with a warm smile for me. Sending prayers of love and comfort for her family and friends.

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Kelly Herrera
November 24, 2016 at 5:15 pm

I feel so blessed that I got to work so close with one of the best teachers and people I know. I will remember the sweet smiles every morning, the way she could go on and on about her students because she knew each one so well, and the way she touched each and every person she came into contact with. I got to learn from one of the best. I will see you again, Janie. Until then you will be greatly missed. Prayers for Chuck, Elizabeth, and her whole family. May God give you peace during this tough time.

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Vicki Viges
November 24, 2016 at 7:16 pm

Oh my….you fought so hard and so long, my friend. I am so thankful that I got to help you out so many times by subbing for you…or as you always called me…”guest teacher” 🙂 I pray that God will watch over Chuck and Elizabeth and somehow comfort them at this difficult time. You touched the lives of so many, many little ones…the reading, writing, math, French, classical music, Durwood 🙂 that will stay with them always. So many families requested you as a teacher because they knew you cared so much for them. Rest in God’s peace and keep smiling down on all of us 🙂 Hugs…

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Barb Burns-Briggs
November 24, 2016 at 10:23 pm

Janie was a master teacher, a consummate role model for us all. Janie’s passing is a sad sad loss for the children, and for her family.

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Bev Robertson
November 25, 2016 at 9:54 am

What a great example of gentleness and pure love she showed all who met her. I will treasure the stories she shared with me and her devotion to her family and friends. May you blessed with peace and comfort during this difficult time. Bev

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Richard Dawdy
November 25, 2016 at 2:04 pm

It has been my privilege to know Janie and her family. Janie was one of the bravest and best people I have ever met. She made my life richer. I will miss her very much.

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Sue Eckhart
November 25, 2016 at 8:20 pm

My thoughts and prayers to all. I always looked forward to see Janie for her hair appointments. She was my absolute favorite!! Her monthly visits were so enjoyable! Always had a smile on her face and the sweetest and most gracious women I have ever met!! I will truly miss her. ~Sue~

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Nikki, Chris, Jacob and Cameron Stackable
November 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

We had the honor of having Mrs. Alysworth as a teacher last year for our son, Jacob. Her patience and love for her students was something to be admired. She truly loved my son and he felt that love every single day from her. To her family I’d like to say that your grief is the last act of love to give and with such deep grief there is great love. She will live on in all the wonderful memories she created with everyone she met. We are so very sorry for the loss of such a great woman all too soon.

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Betsy, Denis, Sarah and Josh Zietlow
November 25, 2016 at 10:12 pm

We are deeply saddened to hear of Janie’s passing. She was an awesome teacher, wife, mother and friend. She made such an impact on so many lives. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Prayers of comfort and peace.

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Anonymous
November 26, 2016 at 2:12 pm

So sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. My son Andrew helped in her classroom and had the joy of experiencing her beautiful ability to inspire up close. She was such a warm, loving person. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

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Karen Davis
November 26, 2016 at 2:33 pm

Janie had such a gentle, loving soul. She was an inspiration and example for all of her colleagues. I will treasure the memories I have planning Science Days and writing art curriculum with her. Deepest condolences to Chuck, Elizabeth, and the rest of her family.

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Jacqueline Manne
November 27, 2016 at 7:35 pm

Chuck and Elizabeth, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Janie held a special place in my heart. I loved going into her classroom to help after I retired. She was an amazing woman, wife, mother and teacher. Janie was always soft spoken and had a positive attitude even in the tough times. Her students adored her and always were engaged in everything she was teaching. Janie made learning exciting. She has touched so many lives and will always be remembered as this kind and gentle soul.

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Jane Pierce Doty
November 28, 2016 at 7:29 am

My daughter, Jody, was in her classroom many years ago, in Dimondale. When I mentioned to both my daughters of her passing, the response was “the dinosaur”. She gave them a lasting impression. We are so sorry for your loss.

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Heather Crepeau
November 29, 2016 at 2:05 pm

My daughter, Emily, was in her class 3 years ago at Wilcox. That year is when Mrs.A became the person in my daughters life that would forever create the path in which my daughter will follow. Mrs.A had such a beautiful and magical way in which she viewed life and she taught each and every student the ability to see it through her eyes. Emily just recently created a huge Halloween poster that she wanted to give to Mrs.A to let her know that she still thinks of her all of the time, but she never ended up getting it to her. We will always remember her smile, her stories of her family, and the magic in her eyes. She was truly one of a kind and I am so thankful that she was my daughter’s teacher. We are very sorry for your loss.

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Ellen Giantonio Keralla
November 5, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Sorry for your loss Chuck. I’ve been trying to reach you about a 50th high school reunion and found this obituary.

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