Jan Maxine Greene

               It is with great sadness we announce the death of our beloved Jan Maxine Greene.  Jan faced her cancer diagnosis two and a half years ago with courage, strength and grace. She will be sadly missed.                 

               Jan was born on July 20, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, continued her education at Sargent College / Boston University, and graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy.                             

               After graduating, Jan located to The Berkshires, devoting the next 47 years practicing Physical Therapy and helping numerous patients throughout the County. Jan started out at St. Luke's Hospital and Berkshire Medical Center, and in time, opened a private practice on South Street. 

               In 1992, Jan suffered a brain tumor.  After surgery in NY, she was in rehab for a year, before starting back up with local VNA's treating patients in the Hill Towns and South County. 

               In 2004, Jan had the opportunity to reopen her practice: Jan Greene Physical Therapy on South St. and Henry Ave in Pittsfield. She practiced until forced to retire due to her health in 2021. Jan's devotion, professionalism, skills and empathy, were appreciated by her patients over the years. 

               In the early years, Jan lived in several cabins in Stephentown, Windsor, and Glendale. All lacking one or more amenities, like electricity or plumbing. Happy in her surroundings, she would occasionally take advantage of the nurse’s showers at BMC.  Jan eventually bought a small cabin in her beloved town of Washington. After growing up in Brooklyn, Jan appreciated the solitude and comfort of living in the woods. Jan stayed at the cabin right up till the time of her death, almost forty years.                                

               Over her life, she had adventures and loved traveling. Starting out in Brooklyn on her weekly trip from Bensonhurst to Coney Island on her bike with a girlfriend to get her favorite meal: Nathan's hotdogs and fries. 

               In August of '69, a friend asked her to help man a concession stand for the Woodstock Festival in Bethel, NY.  To this day, we still haven't heard the stories.... She did gain a love for Arlo Guthrie's performances, attending his concerts whenever she could. Jan spent a few months living in Alaska, some time in New Zealand, enjoyed hiking in the Southwest U.S., and all throughout New England.                                  

               Jan met her husband Joe, of 25 years, in 1990. She was called up by a local surgeon for a favor. Joe had just had hip surgery, and lived in a cabin in the woods. Two VNA Physical Therapists had come out a few days apart, saw the long driveway, could not see the cabin, got nervous and turned away. It was early January with plenty of snow. The doctor had asked Jan to do the visit. Jan donned crampons, ski poles, and a cute hat, and made the trek to the cabin. Joe greeted her at the door, they both started talking and Brooklyn accents flowed. Joe was from Brooklyn as well.  She continued to come to the cabin for the duration of Joe's therapy. A great connection had been made. A beautiful friendship followed, leading to a wonderful marriage.

               Over her life, Jan opened up her heart and home to over twenty five rescue dogs. Giving them her love and forever home.

               Jan is predeceased by her parents, Sheldon and Irene Greene and her brother Jerry J Greene.                 

               She is survived by her husband, Joe Coates, of 25 years, a stepdaughter, Jennifer  (Ludo)  Coatanroch and a stepson, Michael (Lisa) Coates. Three grandchildren: Olivier, Lily, and Isla, all of Connecticut. A sister in law, Ellen (John) Clinton and their family of Southern California. She also leaves some very special people she called her friends. Jan was a true friend.                                     

               The family would like to thank Doctor Sean Mullally, Jan's advocate, doctor and friend, his staff at Hillcrest Oncology, in addition to the fourth floor nurses, ( Earthly Angels ) who helped take care of Jan. We will be forever grateful for their kindness, compassion and outstanding care. They helped make a very difficult time, manageable. Our many thanks to Dr. Sara Slater at Dana-Farber in Boston, and the Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. We'd also like to thank Dr. Rebecca Caine, Jan's primary care physician, for her support over the years, and her guidance and continued support after Jan's diagnosis.  Lastly, we are thankful for Hospice Care in the Berkshires, for supporting us in our home with their nursing and support staff, and making it possible for Jan to stay in her home in her final days.    

               Jan will be laid to rest at The Old Town Hall Cemetery, 473 Washington Mountain Road, Washington, MA, where there will be a graveside service for family and her friends on Friday, May 26th at 11:30 AM.

          In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jan's name to That Newfoundland Place, 554 Pucker Street, Coventry, CT 06238. www.thatnewfoundlandplace.org.