Janet Carol Redding Richardson OBITUARY
Janet Carol Redding was the first child born to Barbara Jean Redding (ne Blundin) and Arnold Hurxthal Redding. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was joined by sister Bonnie and brother Win. Her father's career in aerospace took the family from Pennsylvania to London to Kansas City and back again before heading to California. Janet attended a number of schools as the family moved. She graduated from Los Altos High School before doing her undergraduate work at Scripps College, earning a degree in history. A secondary teaching credential from San Jos State University was added several years later.
Her student teaching supervisor who praised her teaching, but predicted that she would be administration bound, turned out to be correct. Over the course of her 42-year career Janet learned to match people of good will with projects–primarily in education–that needed funding. She raised funds for Menlo School and College, Castilleja School, San Jos State University, the San Diego Natural History Museum and Almaden Country Day School. Her longest stretch was 19 years at San Jos State where she added alumni affairs, public affairs and governmental relations to the development function. Getting to know philanthropists, elected officials, and foundation heads was a real privilege. Regardless of her role, Janet used her talents to build high performing teams, carry out complex projects and lead long-term planning efforts.
Thomas M. Richardson, her husband of 53 years, was her partner raising their son Ross Richardson (Meghan Powers) and took delight in their roles as grandparents to grandsons Remy, Crosby and Ellis. This included traveling back and forth to New York City multiple times each year to spend time with their family. During the pandemic the family sheltered in California and continued to spend each subsequent summer with Janet and Tom. Janet is survived by her husband, son, daughter-in-law, grandsons, and sister. Her extended family was very dear to her as well.
Janet was a lifelong equestrian, riding her dressage partner Ned until his retirement. An avid reader, she also enjoyed swimming and tennis. Long term friends and family were always welcome, especially if they were okay with her penchant to try new recipes. A good evening consisted of interesting conversation around the dinner table. For 42 years the Richardsons belonged to a book/dinner club of four couples who shared ideas and friendship on a quarterly basis.
While professionally she directed institutions to erect buildings and establish programs, family and close friends know that Janet's truest passion was helping others. She advised countless people on their careers, their passions, and their difficulties. She never shied away from the complexities of human affairs, and was asked time and again to lend her skills to administrative, political, and personal dilemmas of all sizes; a constantly ringing phone was testament to the value of her council. She delighted in teaching all her life, and took immense pride in seeing people gain confidence in their skills and themselves. She worked to help improve the world for those she loved. She loved many.
Donations in Janet's honor can be made to San Jos State University, Almaden Country Day School or PS 84 The Lillian Webber School, NY.
