Janet A. Crist

Crist, Janet A.

EAST GREENBUSH – Janet A. Crist, 80, died April 17, 2021 at Samaritan Hospital. The wife of the late Richard A. Crist, who passed away in 2017, she is survived by five children, Richard, Craig, Gary (Suzanne Metzger), Heidi (Guy Silvestri) and Ryan (Aubrey Boles), and ten grandchildren, Ricky, Matt, Trevor, Tyler, Cameron, Cuyler, Dennin, Brian, William and Sean; a brother, Paul; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Janet was born March 3, 1941, the daughter of William and Jane O’Brien Wasserbach. She was part of a well-known family in Albany, that also included brothers William, John and sister Susan, who are all deceased, and many cousins who remained a presence in her life. She was a graduate of the class of 1958 from St. Joseph’s Academy in Albany.
She was employed by the New York State Police as a young adult, and later in life, worked as a staff member in the New York State Assembly.
Following a chance meeting at Gaspary’s in Albany, she married Richard A. Crist from Castleton on September 10, 1966. They spent the early days of their marriage on Boltwood Avenue in Castleton, which produced lifelong relationships and memories that gave her much happiness. The growing family moved to Tamarack Lane in East Greenbush in the early 1970s and she became involved in Holy Spirit Parish and School. She helped guide the early education of her children and many others through volunteer work on a myriad of duties and tasks at the direction of Sr. Monica. She again made lifelong connections with the Sisters, parents and friends who gave her support and prayers from around the world as she journeyed to her final destination.
Her greatest joy was her family, and she took great pride in the many and growing accomplishments of her four sons and daughter. She instilled in her family a commitment to family, respect for hard work and a drive for excellence. Her lessons will remain with her children forever.
Her greatest joy in later years was serving as Grandma, a role she carried out expertly during her 25 years as a grandmother, always welcoming a new arrival with the same care and attention she had shown her entire life. She enjoyed backyard pool parties with friends and family, vacations and day trips, and long summer weekends at Craig’s house in Cape Cod. She was also devout in her faith and took great comfort and wisdom from Catholicism.
The family thanks sincerely all those involved in providing care, compassion and attention to Mom during her final months. They also thank the many friends and family who shared encouragement and prayers as she worked to recover. Her resiliency and grace in the face of a great struggle will never be forgotten.
Due to COVID-19, masks must be worn, social distances maintained, and occupancy limits apply. Family will celebrate Janet's life at a funeral Mass on Saturday, April 24 at 9 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 667 Columbia Tpke., East Greenbush. Calling hours for family and friends are at the Ray Funeral Service, 59 Seaman Ave., Castleton, on Friday, April 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. She will be buried next to her husband at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CONSERNS-U, 50 Herrick St., Rensselaer, NY 12144.

Ray Funeral Service, Inc.
59 Seaman Ave.
Castleton, NY 12033
(518)732-7663