Janice Traister

Janice Eileen Traister, 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Annandale, NJ, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 15, 1930, in Pueblo, Colorado, Janice was the daughter of the late Edwin (Ted) and Frances Filer. She grew up in Pueblo, where she met the love of her life, James Traister, during high school. Shortly after graduating, the two were married and relocated to New Jersey, settling in Millburn. There, they built a loving home and raised their children, Susan and Jim.

Janice was a devoted and cherished member of Wyoming Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the Women’s Guild and taught Sunday School while her children were young.

She enjoyed a long and successful career as manager of the accessory department at Lord & Taylor, where she worked for more than 20 years. Always impeccably dressed with her hair perfectly coiffed, Janice was admired for her elegance, professionalism, and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

Janice treasured summer vacations "down the shore," always welcoming friends to join in the fun. She and James also shared a love of golf, spending many weekends on the course with close friends.

In the early 2000s, Janice and James moved to Annandale to be closer to their family. They quickly became an essential part of their grandchildren’s lives — a reliable support system, playmates, and treasured companions. In her later years, Janice became a devoted puzzle enthusiast, enjoyed countless episodes of I Love Lucy, and treasured time with the family and friends who came to visit.

Janice was known for her radiant smile, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother (“Gigi”), and her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren — who could do no wrong in her eyes.

She touched the lives of everyone she met with her warmth, kindness, and remarkable ability to make others feel like family. Those who knew her left with lighter hearts and brighter spirits. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Janice was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, James (2011), and her grandson, Jimmy Mark Traister (2015).

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Proske, and son, James Traister; her grandchildren: Winona Shively, Michael Proske (and wife Jennifer), Lauren Miller (and husband Gerard), Sarah Proske, and Meghan Proske; and her great-grandchildren: Jacob, Eric, and Victoria Shively; Emerson, Cole, and Lainey Miller; and Ava Proske.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, with a funeral service beginning at 5:30 PM at Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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