Obituary: Janet J. Hallahan

Janet J. Hallahan

Janet J. Hallahan passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, New York.

She was born July 12, 1937, to Margaret and Benjamin James in Youngstown, graduating from Lewiston-Porter Senior High School in 1955. Following high school, she attended SUNY Oneonta and obtained a bachelor’s degree in education in 1959.

Janet moved to Corning and dedicated 33 years teaching home economics to the students of Corning Free Academy from 1959 until her retirement in 1992.

On Aug. 19, 1961, she married James J. Hallahan in Youngstown.

She was a member and past president (2008-10) of the Corning Area Women’s Club (CAWC), and a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Elmira-Corning (NY) branch.

Janet retired to Hammondsport, where she volunteered at the Glenn H. Curtis Museum and was a member of the Keuka Yacht Club and Hammondsport Women’s Club. She remained in Hammondsport until relocating in 2019 to Appleridge Senior Living in Horseheads.

Janet was outgoing and proved so by becoming an ambassador at Appleridge. She enjoyed helping other residents settle into their new home, giving tours, and introducing them to the many activities available there. She was a member of the resident council, participating in the improvement of the facility for her and the other residents at Appleridge.

Janet was known for her colorful wardrobe, which she showcased as often as she could. On one occasion, she modeled in a fashion show at Appleridge.

She loved cooking and baking, and especially loved Newfoundland dogs, of which she had many in her lifetime.

Janet was an active supporter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Branchport, and Christ Episcopal Church in Corning.

She is survived by her brother, Jack C. James, colonel, U.S. Marine Corps. (Ret.) of Silver Springs, Maryland; by nephew Michael (Julie) B. James and their children: Ryan and Owen of Sierra Madre, California; great-niece Alexandria James of Anaheim; many cousins – especially Peggy Tower Shear of Lockport, and Ann Tower Johnston and Audrey Tower, both of Youngstown; and her beloved Newfoundland dog, Miss Lilly.

Janet is predeceased by her above-mentioned parents, husband James J. Hallahan (2016), and nephew Shawn James (2025).

Friends may call between 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home in Hammondsport. A funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Phil Kasey at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Branchport. A celebration of life will be held from noon until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Appleridge Senior Living in Horseheads.

She will be buried at a later date with her late husband, James, at Glenview Cemetery in Pulteney, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janet’s memory to Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, 8419 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 121 W. Lake Road, Branchport, NY 14418; or Christ Episcopal Church, 33 E. First St., Corning, NY 14830.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Janet’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Janet are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, or at bishopdesanto.com.