One of our colleagues, Ellen Ferber, lost her mother Janice last week. 
After hearing stories about Janice from Ellen and reading her obituary, I am reminded once again (as I am in my own life) that apples don’t fall far from the tree.
Janice was a strong, sassy woman with family and community values, and an all around class act.
At such a vulnerable time, all I see is strength and commitment from Ellen, characteristics that we see in all of our volunteers and volunteer leaders each and every day.
I would like to pay tribute to a woman who I may have never met but who I feel like i know. Thank you, Janice, for raising a daughter who has committed herself to a life of helping and leading others in service.
As her co-worker, I would like to honor the grieving process that Ellen will experience and promise to be there for her – to listen, to offer advice and to celebrate long after the official tributes to Janice are over.
Our work is not easy and does not slow down or stop for many reasons.
Although I am at my best when busy, I know this is not true of everyone.
The grieving process will be long, and we promise to be there for you, Ellen.
Janice Marie Cospito
(August 18, 1936 – May 20, 2010)
Virginia Beach, VA
Janice Marie Cospito, 73, of Salt Meadow Bay Drive went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, May 20, 2010. Born in Brooklyn, New York she was the daughter of the late Albert and Ellen Cripps and was predeceased by a beloved sister, Ilene Cripps. Janice will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was passionate for Christ and invited all to her family table.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 54 years, James Cospito; a daughter, Ellen Ferber and husband Jim; three sons, Dr. Peter Cospito and wife Stephanie, James Cospito and wife Lianne and Anthony Cospito and partner Arlu; six grandchildren, Derek, Kristen, Meaghan, Jonathan, Kyle and Katelyn as well as a beloved friends, Muriel Behrens and husband Don, Jennifer Huffman and husband Glen, as well as a wide circle of intimate friends.
Janice’s life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Virginia Beach Community Chapel, Virginia Beach. Pastors Tim McIntyre, Rich Hardison and Rick Leineweber will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the church’s fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Ministry of Virginia Beach Community Chapel, 1261 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, 23451 or to the American Cancer Society, 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, Chesapeake.
