Janice “Jan” Caliendo
Janice “Jan” Caliendo, aged 70, of Western Springs, Illinois, passed away January 28th, 2025.
Loving sister of Cathy Caliendo and Paul (Linda) Caliendo; predeceased by loving parents Edward and Lorraine Caliendo.
Jan was a gregarious and generous personality, loved and respected by all that knew her. Always quick to smile and offer a positive retort, she never let her own physical limitations affect how she looked at and lived her life.
Jan loved any gatherings that included her aunts, uncles, cousins, god-children and family friends. Friends, of which she had many and made wherever she landed. Her “danger bars’ were a requirement for any celebration. And a bottle of champagne or Prosecco was always at hand to make a simple visit turn into a party. There was never a card or board game that she didn’t find a challenge and was always ready to conquer. A quick wit, she found humor in any situation and often had those around her laughing with her takes on current events or just everyday life. She loved to sing and enjoyed all music, especially jazz. An avid gardener, she was a member of the West Suburban Garden Club, where she also served as past president, and current planner for their monthly presentations. Jan was dedicated to and supported the Methodist Church of Western Springs and was instrumental in directing the merger of her church with the Methodist Church of Hinsdale. She enjoyed travelling and made many trips here and abroad with her friends and family, especially her sister Cathy.
Jan was a graduate of Lions Township High School, class of 1973. She attended Northland College, Ashland, WI., receiving a B.A. in Biology in 1977. She continued her education at DePaul University obtaining her Master of Science in Endocrinology in 1983. In her career Jan managed the Neurogenetics Research Lab at Northwestern University Medical School, with an emphasis on researching the causes of, and someday, a cure for, ALS. She retired from research in 2018 but always kept her finger on the pulse of what was happening in the world of science.
A service to celebrate Jan’s life and accomplishments will be held Saturday, June 7th, 11:00 AM at Hinsdale United Methodist Church, 945 S. Garfield Ave. Hinsdale, IL. A celebration lunch and fellowship to follow immediately after services at the Holiday Inn of Countryside (formerly the William Tell Inn) at 6201 Joliet Rd, Countryside, IL. Rooms will also be made available for those who choose to stay at the hotel. Interment will be private.
For those who wish to continue Jan’s mission in life, donations can be made in her name to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation at oif.org, or to public T.V./radio at www.WTTW.com or www.WFMT.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside, IL at (708) 352-6500.
Jan joined Northwestern in 19— as the histochemistry technician in the Muscle Diagnostic Lab at Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago started by Scott Heller MD. In 1991 she moved to Northwestern Medical School when Teepu Siddique, MD established its neurogenetic and neuromuscular medicine programs. There she broadened her scope and skills and over several years the Diagnostic Lab became the most respected in the Chicagoland area for muscle and nerve biopsy interpretation, as well as genetic testing of ApoE in Alzheimer disease and genes for Lou Gehrig disease and other neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, she assumed managerial responsibilities for Dr. Siddique’s neurogenetics research lab when it became the largest medical research lab at Northwestern. Besides overseeing the operation of both labs, she mentored numerous summer interns in basic wet lab techniques and many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in histochemistry studies of muscle and nerve and genetic testing for neurologic disorders. Jan was a beloved colleague, appreciated not only for her skills and mentoring, but her grace, unfailing good humor, willingness to help, concern and care for others, and her courage and determination in navigating the challenges of advanced osteogenesis imperfecta. Her departure from Northwestern in 20—- had far reaching effects with the closure of the Diagnostic Lab, which was a great loss for the entire neuromuscular community.
Impossible to describe adequately the friend and confidante that was Jan. Though it’s been many years since I was blessed with her company, the memories and impact of years with her at UMC-WS, at UMYF, in the theater department at LTHS, and “on the streets of Western Springs” during high school are as fresh as if ever. So much laughter – so much trust and “being there” for one another. Sending prayers of love and grace to Jan, and to Cathy, Paul & Linda.
Signe Kristine Peterson Garnitz
Atlanta, GA