Janet Samo

Janet SamoDecember 2, 1936 - March 7, 2014Resident of San JoseWillow Glen resident, Janet F. Samo, teacher, high school counselor, and therapist, passed on March 7, 2014 at age 77. Janet was born in Fairfield, CA to Louie Samo and Olivia Semas, graduated from Armijo High School and San Jose State; received her Masters in Psychology and MFC license from Santa Clara University. Janet taught in the Fremont Union High School District for over 30 years. Her colleagues and friends remember her as a devoted counselor who had a special place in her heart for the struggling student and a compassionate, kind and giving nature.Janet was an avid golfer and tennis player, winning trophies for her talents. She loved the art of kite flying and studied acrylic painting, producing a small collection of her own. Janet also enjoyed many hours of riding free on her red scooter.Janet was a member of the volunteer CHP in San Jose up until her passing and enjoyed spending time supporting community organizations as well as being a member of her homeowners' association. Janet's favorite place of respite was Vasona Park in Los Gatos where she spent many afternoons walking in peace or sitting with a friend. Her poem, "Vasona Park" is included in the forthcoming anthology, Song of Los Gatos, to be released in April 2014.Janet leaves behind her partner, Parthenia M. Hicks; her sister and brother-in-law, Pati and Jim Norris; her sister, Carol Marin; nieces Nicole Norris and Laurie Cross; nephews Mark, Mike and Tom Marin; cousins, Kathy Samo, Bob Samo, and Carolyn Taylor, as well as her beloved Burmese cat, Shiloh Rose.A celebration of Janet's life will be held at Vasona Park in Los Gatos, CA on April 11 at 11:30 am. Memorial donations may be made to Adolescent Counseling Services 1717 Embarcadero Rd, ?Palo Alto, CA 94303.