Janet Mehling

Janet M Mehling (nee Heckler) passed peacefully into eternal rest on March 29, 2015 at the age of 81 at Schervier Pavillion in Warwick. N.Y. Janet was born in the year of 1933 in Brooklyn New York to Herbert and Esther Heckler. Growing up the daughter of an entertainer was never dull or boring. Her father was the purveyor of Huberts Museum on 42nd Street in NYC in the late 30's and 40's. The Flea Circus was a proud chapter in Janet's life and she spoke of it often to her children and grandchildren. Janet would often recount stories of her father bringing home fellow entertainers as boarders and regularly finding the Sword Swallower, Bearded Lady, and Strongman around the kitchen table playing cards and swapping stories. She was forbidden to wash the family dog as this would have been detrimental to getting new recruits for the Flea Circus. As a teen, Janet enjoyed playing baseball and other outdoor "Boy " games becoming a regular tom-boy and even making the Roller Derby unbeknownst to her mother who immediately cancelled said pursuit. She graduated from Dumont High School in 1951 and went on to earn an Associates Degree in Medical Technology from Bergen Technical College. She was married to Fred Mehling and they had 3 children Michael, Sandra, and James. She worked as a Medical Technologist for Cardiologists Rubin and Lutwak in Monroe N.Y. for over 25 years. Janet had an amazing array of skills and passions. She made beautiful clothing for her entire family, often spending many hours at the cutting table and sewing machine crafting designer apparel at "discount prices". Her passion for cooking and baking was legendary... yielding an amazing cornucopia of smells and tastes. She made every holiday a special, unique event of gifts, food and decorations. Janet was a Cub Scout Den Mother, served on the Tuxedo Planning Board, Sterling Forest Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and was as early member of the Tuxedo Volunteer Ambulance Corp.; back in the days of white jump-suits and telephone relayed response... ..she also volunteered at Tuxedo Hospital and in her later years, volunteered at Arden Hill Hospital in Goshen. Janet loved to travel and did so throughout her life from childhood with her parents following the circus. In her adult life to Europe, North Africa, Bali, China, Greece and Taiwan. She enjoyed diverse cultures, people and above all, the food! Never adverse to a great bargain at a souvenir booth, she amassed an extensive collection of keepsakes from all over the world. Janet was a beautiful, compassionate, caring, talented, genuine spirit. She passed these qualities on to her family in everything she did. She lived life to its fullest and encouraged her children and grandchildren to do the same. Her family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to her physician Dr. Wang whose caring, honest, and compassionate attention to her every need over the years will never be forgotten. To the nurses and staff at Schervier Pavillion, who filled her days with love, understanding, friendship and a level of care second to none, to the staff at St. Anthony's who saw to her every need during her many "visits", and to the Warwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps. For their care and transportation on numerous occasions, thank you!! Janet is survived by her former husband Fred, One brother Roy and his wife Lydia, Children Michael, Sandra, and James, Grandchildren Michael, Stephanie, Marlayna, Elizabeth, Jessica, Lauren, Sara and Steven as well as dear cousin Lois and her husband Bill, Margie and many nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation and a celebration of her life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers... .Janet wanted people to "pay it forward" by donating blood, volunteering your time to a worthy organization or charity. "Help make a difference." Arrangements & Cremation Services have been entrusted to Thomas F. Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York. To offer online memorials please visit www.flynnfh.com.