Janice Zitron Block

November 19, 1930 - May 13, 2011

Janice Zitron Block 11/19/30 – 5/13/11 Our mother, Janice Zitron Block, passed away on May 13th, surrounded by her children, after a lengthy and courageous battle with breast cancer. The battle began over twenty years ago, but never stopped her from engaging in an active and fulfilling life. In addition to being a homemaker and mother, Mom returned to college to fulfill her other goals in life. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Philosophy, followed by a Master’s degree in Education Administration. All of her degrees were earned with honors and distinction, and included the additional awards of Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, and Phi Delta Kappa. She was married to Irwin Block for 27 years, raising three children, whom she was proud to say were independent thinkers. She was a room mother, Cub Scout leader, swim team mom, and Camp Fire Girls leader throughout those years. Her professional career included a variety of positions at the Department of Education, Department of Defense, and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Mom was particularly proud of her role in co-founding the innovative Alternative Education program for the Shawnee Mission Kansas School District, which later served as a model for other alternative education programs. The latter part of her professional career focused on real estate property acquisition and management, which allowed her to travel throughout the country. Her hobbies included tennis, gardening, and attending college and professional sports with her children. She became an accomplished artist and a skilled bridge player. She was a docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum for nineteen years, sharing her enthusiasm and love of art with her children and grandchildren. Culturally, she enjoyed theater, ballet, art, the symphony, and world-wide travel, including trips to China, Africa, Europe, South America, and Israel. She was a member of Congregation Beth Torah, Hadassah, and National Council of Jewish Women, as well as other civic and community organizations. At age 70, Mom discovered Tai Chi Chih, becoming a certified instructor, and teaching three to four classes per week, even while receiving chemotherapy. She was a source of strength for many of her students who were dealing with their own physical issues. Our mother was never afraid to tackle any challenge, and she was successful at almost everything she tried. We are so proud of her, and already miss her dearly. We will celebrate her life and her legacy with pride and love. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Ida and Abe Zitron. She leaves sons and daughter: Steve (and Linda) Block, Randy (and Elyse) Block, and Cindy (and Sheldon) Singer; Grandchildren: Stacy Block, Tara Block, Pam (and Steve) Daube, Greg (and Sara) Block, Phil (and Melissa) Block, Sam Block, Daniel Singer, and Megan Singer; Great Grandchildren: Julia Block and Alex Daube; Brother: Stanley (and Barbara) Zitron; Longtime Companion: Wayne Lippman. Special thanks to Rabbi Mark Levin, Dr. Mark Davidner, Dr. Daniel Booser, Pam and Jill from Shawnee Mission Home Health, the entire oncology team at St. Joseph Medical Center, Dorothy Hampton, and the wonderful caregivers from Enhanced HomeCare. Services will be held Sunday, May 15, 10:30AM at Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Ave., with burial following at Sheffield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution in her memory to breast cancer research or the charity of your choice.