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Jana A. (Minaert) Kuntzelmann
Jeffersonville - Jana Ann (Minaert) Kuntzelmann, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Copley Hospital in Morrisville. She was born in Springfield, MA on May 23, 1949 daughter of the late Walter and Helen Minaert.
Jana, “Jamy”, grew up in Johnson, attending grade school there, then Jeffersonville where she attended Cambridge High School, graduating in 1967.
While growing up, Jana was involved with the Smuggler’s Notch Ski Racing Program. She won and placed in many races throughout the Northeast during her career, developing into a world class ski racer specializing in the downhill and giant slalom events.
She graduated from Johnson State College in 1971 with a BS in Science. She then attended and graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Dental Hygiene in 1973.
She worked as a dental hygienist in New York City for a number of years before returning to Jeffersonville. As a favor to a friend she waitressed at The Barn Restaurant at the Village at Smuggler’s Notch where she met Berni the chef and her husband-to-be for 30 years.
Opening Jana’s Cupboard Restaurant in 1979, building and running The Cupboard Delicatessen & Bakery in 1985, and founding Mama Mia’s Pizzeria Plus in 1991, Jana was very busy wearing many hats. She worked untold hours feeding the community and tourists alike for over 20 years.
Jana’s passion was golf and she was a member of the Bakersfield Country Club for many years. She was most proud of her hole-in-one on the 17th hole at Bakersfield in August 2005.
Jana particularly loved traveling and getting together with family and friends. She was dedicated to the raising and caring of her two sons, Will and Ross. Her beautiful smile, twinkling eyes and her laughter will be greatly missed by her loved ones and friends.
She is survived by:
Her husband of 30 years Bernard W. Kuntzelmann of Jeffersonville;
Her two sons:
William Bernard Kuntzelmann of Boulder, CO;
Ross Walter Kuntzelmann of Jeffersonville;
Her brother Dr. Walter “Kip” Minaert and wife Patricia of Watertown, NY;
Her sister Jody Andrews and Jim Keen of Solomons Island, MD;
Her husband’s parents Harry & Magdalene Kuntzelmann of Dix Hills, NY.
Her sister-in-law Susie Coogan and husband Jerry of Northport, NY;
Her nieces and nephews:
Ian Minaert and wife Jodie;
Meagan Weiss and husband John;
Laura Weishew and husband Tim;
Michael Randal;
Caitlin Martarello;
And several cousins.
There will be no visiting hours held. A celebration of Jana’s life will be held at The Meeting House at Smugglers Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT on Tuesday October 20, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. with the Reverend Elizabeth Griffin officiating. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Jana’s memory may be made to the FSH Society (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy), 64 Grove Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Arrangements are by John D. Workman A. W. Rich Funeral Home– Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St. Fairfax, VT 05454. The family invites you to share your memories of Jana by visiting her life tribute at www.awrichfuneralhomes.com (http://www.awrichfuneralhomes.com)