Tributes to Janet Marie Murphy Linton
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Eulogy

Just yesterday Glenn Hillegas, the principal of Construction Tech Academy and I were reflecting on Janet's life and he said to me, "You know, I see Janet's imprint in the lives of each of my students through her hard work, her passion and vision for educating students and her relationship with each of us. Wow what a legacy!"

I first met Janet when she was hired at Gompers Secondary School in 1991, where she started as a Spanish and business teacher for the school district. Coming out of a successful career in banking, she told me her real passion was to be a teacher. Her talent and reputation were quickly recognized as she was recruited to be a lead teacher at the new Scripps Ranch High School in 1993 where she helped to create a new innovative high school. After
just a year, I stole her away to come and share her experience with other teachers as a program specialist in the department serving and supporting the business education teachers district wide. Mentored by Bill Strong, Janet grew tremendously and when Bill retired in January 2001, she became the program manager over the entire career technical education program.

What started as serving one group of a few students at Gompers, grew into touching the lives of hundreds students, to supporting 50 teachers serving thousands students each year, to serving over 150 teachers serving tens of thousands students a year. Her work included developing new courses and programs, new academies for students, taking leadership on various committees in the district, writing new curriculum, leading workshops, developing business advisory boards for new programs, encouraging internships and recruiting and nurturing new teachers.

Now these are great professional accomplishments, but it is clear to me that her real impact is on the many, many lives she touched with her kindness and sweet spirit.

In our own department, she was loved by all. We laughed together; we cried together, we prayed together for the lives of our teachers as well as for the lives of those within the department. She was a loyal and faithful friend and colleague to me personally, a leader who needed very little direction and an amazingly hard worker who could do more at home dealing with her cancer then most people can accomplish in an 8 hour day.

Janet raised the level of professionalism in everything she did. Bill Berggren said, Janet pushed him to accomplish things he never thought he was capable of. She would never let her own pain or suffering ever stand in the way of getting out to meet with a teacher, or to take charge on a project or to take time and encourage someone else. She had an amazing memory for the smallest of detail, and left many processes and procedures in place that
will serve us for many years to come. Her impact on each our lives in the department will live on forever.

As we got word out the teachers, principals and people she worked with, testimonies from all over the county began pouring in about the impact Janet had made on them.

Janet clearly touched many lives!

Life is clearly a temporary assignment. Psalms 39:5 says: "Each man's
life is but a breath. The key is how are we going live out the rest of our days? What will be our legacy? God put us on this earth to make a contribution. The key is to seek His direction and purpose.

Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, says "Relationships, not achievements, are what maters most. How you treat people, not wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth. Relationships are what life is about. Wisdom is learning the truth soon than later." Janet's life is clearly an example for each of us to examine and learn from.

Now as I close, the Linton and Murphy family wanted me to be sure and invite each of you up the Linton's house for some food and drink to continue to celebrate Janet's life. My staff has prepared a map for you that will be available at the door.

Now, as we continue to celebrate Janet's life, I pray and ask God to help you to determine how you can be used to impact the lives of those around you and continue Janet's legacy.

Glenn Hillegas was right, I think I do see Janet's impact in the lives of his and thousands of other students throughout this city!

Rob Atterbury

This week, we all lost a cherished friend and trusted colleague.

Janet was a woman of great strength, moral character, intelligence, wit and humility. Her leadership and grace positively influenced numerous students, teachers and families throughout San Diego.

Janet served as my mentor and was my friend for the past twelve years. I will miss her dearly. She will continue to positively impact my professional and family life for years to come, and for this, I am very grateful. My sincere condolences to the Linton and Murphy families; you are in my family's thoughts and prayers.

Lynn McConville

My best wishes and condolences to all of the STC staff, family and friends who knew and loved Janet so well. My associations with her were brief, but always so uplifting. She was a courageous woman who made us all better for having known her.

Mary Bostwick

We will all miss Janet and the wonderful person she was. Because of her work, many Lincoln graduates lives are better as well as students all over the District. I will include her family in my prayers. I thank God that she was saved!

Wendell Bass

Janet was a wonderful woman with so much dedication and presence.

Susan Wheeler

Janet was truly an inspiration as an educator. Her smile & presence will be missed. My prayers are with the family.

Dottie Steverson

Janet hired me to work at PLHS, Teaching Careers. I will always be grateful to her for all she did for me and for our programs. Janet was an inspiration to many people and we will truly miss her. She will be in my thoughts and prayers for many years. I will keep all the family in my prayers as well. God Bless you. My deepest condolences.

Gina Crudo

It seems so appropriate to create a website tribute to Janet. She was such a champion of innovation in education and led the way to making digital communication a mainstay in our course offerings.

In so many ways, Janet Linton was a beacon for me as an educator. She cared so deeply about students and was a true expert in curriculum and administration. She brought these talents together to lead all of us in providing quality programs for students.

Her zeal for education, her ready humor, her creativity, sheer intelligence and true goodness were inspiring. Even in the midst of her battles with illness she never lost sight of the reasons why she was in education, or of the importance of her family. I am thankful to have known her.

Maureen Gevirtz

Janet’s commitment to supporting teachers and students throughout City Schools was unparalleled. She was a champion of quality teaching, and an expert at connecting teachers with resources to improve the teaching and learning in classrooms. Her dedication has impacted the educational experiences of countless children in San Diego, including her own. She was a consummate professional, a trusted colleague, and a dear friend. I will miss her terribly, but no one at San Diego High’s School of Business will ever forget her.

Joe Austin

Throughout my years in School to Career, I had heard about Janet so much that I felt like I knew her. It wasn't until I actually had the privilege of interacting with her that I was struck by her quiet personal charisma, regal bearing and deep kindness to others--even in her most challenging times. I will carry her memory with me always. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Liz Morrow

What an amazing example to us all! Janet was so gracious and caring, yet fearless and strong. She was a great advocate for students and teachers, continually encouraging us as people and professionals on our journeys.

I know she is off on her own new and exciting journey, now. I am sending prayers of support to the family while they go through this process of letting go of her physical presence, as she will always be with us in spirit.

Zhee Zhee Aguirre

I thank God for Janet. She was there for me when I had no place else to go. She helped me get my job and when she knew changes were about to happen she let me know and directed me in the path I should take. She was a great person and always could be counted on to direct you to the right place at the right time. She will truly be missed, but knowing that she knew God makes her extra special. She is in his hands now and at peace.

To the family: Remember God makes no mistakes. He takes care of those who love and praise him. God bless you in your time of sorrow. Know you are in our prayers.

Winnona Dancy

There are no words that can express the deep sorrow I feel for the family and friends who knew and loved Janet. She was a trusted friend and colleague who lived life to the fullest even in the most challenging times.

The courage she exhibited even during her darkest hours, has left an indelible imprint on my life as well as many others I am sure. Her work as an educator impacted the lives of so many children. But more importantly than that, Janet was truly a gentle spirit who loved and accepted all people. I will always remember her for that. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know Janet and to be a part of her life. The only comfort I have during this time of sorrow is to know that Janet was saved and will spend eternity with our Lord in heaven. The world has lost a very special lady and she will be dearly missed.

Margie Fritch

Janet was such a great person and a great leader. She was fair and firm. The first year that I served on the advisory committee for ROP spending I had failed to have my packet in by the required deadline. Janet told me right there at the meeting (in front of the whole panel) that because of that my program would not be considered for any additional funds that year. It was refreshing to have someone as a leader actually enforce the rule, and stand by it with grace and professionalism. That had a great impact on me, and since then, I have never been late on submitting attendance, or my advisory materials. She was always clear on the expectations and requirements, and as a leader she will be greatly missed.

Patrick Coleman

Others have already ably described what a great person Janet was, and how she impacted so many lives in such positive ways.  I want say a few words about how lucky she was.

Janet understand the nature of hand she was dealt, yet she also appreciated just how much she had been given in life.  Many happy years with Mike, seeing her two beautiful children grow up (most of the way) and succeeding in school, a career where she was truly valued and respected, and where she made a real difference - Janet knew she had been blessed.  She knew that more than a few people would gladly trade their lives for her's, even with it being cut so cruelly short.

It was a poorly kept secret that I was in love with Janet.  Not romantically in love, but in love with her energetic personality, her wit, her caring sense of humanity, her dedication to family, and her professional excellence.  I missed getting to say goodbye to my dear friend Janet in person, and do so here.

Jon Strebler

What do you say about a woman who had everything. Janet had class and she had fervor in everything that she did. She was appreciated by all of her peers; however my students saw her love and energy and her commitment to them and they remember how instrumental she was when Joe Austin and Janet came out and changed the lives of video students at SCPA. Her mark lives on with my students who awarded her with a "Friend of K-Arts" Award (K-ARTS is our school station) for her support and dedication to our program. To me, she was a colleague and friend. She was understanding and supportive in all endeavors. Along with everyone else, I will miss her. She lives on in my
classroom and many others throughout the district.

Neil Rothschild

You have always been so nice to me.  Though I know you are in a much better place, you will be missed by all.

Danielle Schaffer

It was my lucky day when I received a call from Janet asking me to join the School To Career office on a part time basis.  That call brought a most precious person into my life. Knowing and working with Janet has been such a blessing and a highlight in my career.  Her quiet presence, caring smile, creative problem solving abilities and genuine interest in all things will be sorely missed.  She saw every teacher and every program as important and worthy of honest consideration.  She is an inspiration in how openly and positively she handled her challenges with cancer. She will remain a shining example of how to conduct ones personal and professional life.  Blessing to the Linton family in these difficult times.

Sharon McKenzie

I love the picture of Janet “running from the camera” at my retirement party—as always, she looked absolutely beautiful!! Janet was fortunate in many ways, including being part of the amazingly talented and caring School-to-Career staff that has been an extension of the Murphy-Linton family. She was admired, respected, and loved by all her knew her. Now she is in a wonderful place, looking down with love on those she left behind. She passed as she lived, with dignity and grace. Like so many others, I am greatly honored that she valued me as a colleague, mentor, and friend.

With great love,

Joyce McLean, International Center for Leadership in Education

Gracious, fun, intelligent, confident, caring, determined and supportive....just a few words to describe this wonderful woman. She will be missed but will guide many of our thoughts and actions in the years to come.

Janet always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye..even during the most stressful days before and during her struggle with cancer. Thank you Janet, for all you did to bring students and the real world of work together. You enlightened and empowered not only students but their teachers and the business mentors alike. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and many friends now and in the weeks and months ahead.

Watch over us Janet. God Bless.

Jean Korhonen

The below I submitted in hurry to the media for background information on Janet.

- Connecting the work world with education: Janet brought to the school district and School-to-Career/ROP an extensive work experience which always paid off for the students and programs she worked with. This came to light in all the activities she performed. She taught many different courses, including computer classes and Spanish. When she taught Spanish she related the teaching to how the language connected to students outside the classroom, even to the point of taking her students to Tijuana so they could use the language in a meaningful way. Janet was able to connect students and
teachers to their passions. She was always looking for the ways a business person could connect to the classroom, knowing full well that students needed to connect to the world they would live and work in.  Most people do not know that Janet was one of the main persons in the district along with Rob Atterbury responsible for small learning communities (the small schools at Kearny, Crawford, San Diego, et al. and academies at multiple schools owe Janet their birth and success). She was one of the main forces, if not the main force, of the Academy of Finance at San Diego High School, which is now part of the School of Business. Students are continually impacted by her legacy daily.

- Living with Cancer: On a personal note, this is the area where I am absolutely in awe of this woman. Maintained by her faith and family, she lived her life in spite of the suffering she experienced over the past two years. The breast cancer came back to her after 7 years of remission. When faced with this reality, she bravely lived the circumstances with an attention on her family and work. She could have quit working and stayed at home. Instead she recognized that she needed to keep working to sustain her life. I remember her expressing her views on 'Cancer Survivors'. She hated that term because it insinuated that through one's will and perseverance cancer is overcome, when in actuality it is a condition for one to live. Part of living was to continue working, having a place to put into action her passions and beliefs. She wanted her work to reflect her beliefs just as in her family life. Janet wanted to find a coherence in her life even when the circumstances were not. She felt that she was truly blessed with the family, friends, and work. Those of us who worked with her and those who knew her from a long time ago were struck and continue to be struck by her example.

Condolences to the Linton and Murphy families and God Bless.

Lance Larson

 

 

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