Obituaries

Janet Horkey

Passed 03/01/2021

Text:

Obituary For Janet Horkey

Whitman - Janet C Horkey (Occhino), 79 yrs, formerly of Braintree, died peacefully at Beth Israel Deaconess surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Albert D Horkey, daughter of the late Mike and Margaret (Shehab) Occhino, and sister of the late Carol Occhino. Jan was born and raised in Belmont, before moving to Braintree. After graduating from Braintree High in 1958, she worked as an x-ray technician at Quincy Hospital before completing her Master's Degree and becoming a Special Needs teacher... first for DYS, then at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, scrapbooking, and taking in foreign exchange students and teachers. Jan has always lived in service to others. She used to volunteer for FISH (Friends In Service Helping), she took in and cared for many foster children, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Whitman and then the Brockton Assembly of God, and she enjoyed being part of the Whitman Cultural Council. However, her greatest love and devotion was for her family, her friends, and her students. She wanted people to know that... "God's compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day." Lam.3:22,23 She leaves a daughter, Deborah Ribak, of Easton, a son, David Horkey of Whitman, and a grandson, Andrew Ribak of Easton. She also leaves her sister, Linda Mattia, of California. Visiting hours will be 4 - 7 pm, on Thursday, March 11th, at Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St, Rockland. Funeral service will be private on Friday, March 12th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deborah Ribak for the Al & Jan Horkey Memorial Fund, PO Box 254, Whitman, MA 02382. The fund will provide scholarships to Special Needs Whitman-Hanson students going to college. Jan and her husband, Al, together, taught at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School for almost 50 years. This will be their legacy

Services

11 Mar

Visitation

16:00 PM - 19:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Condolences

  • 05/25/2021

    Sending all my love to Mrs. Horkey and her family. Mrs. Horkey was an incredible teacher and has left a long lasting impact on my life. She made a space for me to feel safe, happy, and welcome in at Whitman Hanson. Grateful that I was privileged enough to know Mrs. Horkey!

  • 05/25/2021

    Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Jan Horkey. Everybody loved Mrs Horkey, as their teacher at WHRSD. Mrs Horkey was always eager to help all the kids. She always had a beautiful smile on her face , and was so kind to all. . We LOVED her and she will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers to her family

  • 05/25/2021

    Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Jan Horkey. Everybody loved Mrs Horkey, as their teacher at WHRSD. Mrs Horkey was always eager to help all the kids. She always had a beautiful smile on her face , and was so kind to all. . We LOVED her and she will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers to her family

  • 05/25/2021

    I currently work with special needs residents in Pa.. I am grateful for the spiritual influence when I was studying to be a pastor. She will not be forgotten.

  • 05/25/2021

    We will never forget her kindness & support that she gave to my granddaughter while at Whitman-Hanson High School. With our deepest sympathy & our thoughts & prayers will be with you all.

  • 05/25/2021

    Dave, I’m so sad to hear of the passing of your mom. Stay strong. Praying for you.

  • 05/25/2021

    Janet was a fabulous student of mine at Massasoit Community College. She cared about everyone in the class and went out of her way to make everyone's life better.

  • 05/25/2021

    I met Jan and Al, many years ago when I moved to Whitman. I would, occasionally bump into Jan, around town; and had the pleasure of working with Jan on the Cultural Committee, and sharing beautiful evenings at the concerts in the park. Wherever and whenever I saw her, Jan was personable and a positive ray of sunshine - always with a beautiful smile and sincerity. I've met several of her students whose lives were permanently and positively effected by her loving dedication to her students. Condolences to the family, Rest in Peace, Jan.

  • 05/25/2021

    When I was a young child and Jan and Al were living upstairs in my parent's house, Janet announced she was giving up the church denomination she'd been raised in and was converting, in complete faith, to her husband's church. I remember a number of people being shocked by her announcement and, Janet always ready with a laugh and good-natured joking, many felt she was just being nutty. That it would never last. But she went through with it-- even renewing her wedding vows in grand style-- and she grew in faith over the years. It became her salvation, for real, and extended outwards to her community. Really, it was-- and still is-- quite inspirational what she did. She personified sacred words and truths that one can be reborn at any time in their life. She was an old old friend, and she will be missed. Much sympathy and love now sent to her surviving family. Karen Dow

  • 05/25/2021

    Condolences to the family of this beautiful woman.. inside and out. I worked with Jan in Holbrook and she worked with my daughter at WHRHS. She was always positive and left a smile on your face. She made a difference in so many lives.

  • 05/25/2021

    I just wanted to share my condolences for Mrs Horkey. She truly will be missed. Sending prayers to your family.

  • 05/25/2021

    So sorry to hear of Jan's passing. I was one of her next door neighbors for the past 7+ years. She was always smiling and a wonderful neighbor. My deepest sympathies to Dave and her entire family.

  • 05/25/2021

    She changed my life and I wouldn't be where I am without her. My best wishes with the family. She will be dearly missed by everyone she touched.

  • 05/25/2021

    Our sincerest condolences to Debbie, David and the remaining family members. Janet always had a beautiful smile. She was caring and giving and I feel privileged to have known and worked with Janet and her late husband Al. May she Rest In Peace.

  • 05/25/2021

    Debbie,Dave, Andrew & Linda, Our heart goes out to you all ! Jan was a special lady , We just loved her beautiful smile! Both of your parents ment a lot to Donny & I ! We loved them both ! They have touched many hearts & will be greatly missed! Love to you all if you need anything please let us know!❤

  • 05/25/2021

    Jane and I started teaching at Whitman-Hanson around the same time. We would constantly throw sarcastic comments at each other, just to make us smile and forget the current stressors. The meaning for life is to give life meaning and Jane gave life meaning everyday. My dearest condolences to the family.

  • 05/25/2021

    I remember Jan fondly from the Baptist Church. She was a very loving and caring person. Prayers and sympathy to her family.

  • 05/25/2021

    Sorry for your loss. I worked with Al and Jan at Whitman Hanson. They were wonderful people to work with.

  • 05/25/2021

    I remember Janet when I worked at Whitman-Hanson. She was a very caring and dedicated teacher. She will be missed. My condolences to the Horkey family.

  • 05/25/2021

    Mrs. Horkey, the legacy that you have left behind at Whitman High school is one that will never be forgotten. Thank you for your many years of dedication and hard work to ensure that your students had the best education they could get. May you truly rest in eternal peace forever.

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