Janet (Cox) Testo

Rotterdam - Janet Helen Cox Testo, 89, formerly of Troy and Rotterdam Junction, died peacefully on December 22 2013. Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Anna McDonnell Cox and for 69 years the loving and devoted wife ofDr. Joseph Testo. Janet graduated from Lansingburgh High School where she remained on the honor roll throughout her school years. With her great advice, unwavering support and fantastic typing skills she helped her husband and all of her children earn college degrees. During High School Janet worked at Kresgee's Five and Dime where she met her husband, Joe. Later, she worked as a secretary on the various Army bases where he was stationed. She started her lifetime career as a wonderful homemaker and incredible mother when she had the first of her ten children. She also helped her husband throughout his teaching career and worked in the American school when they spent a year in Greece. She was a communicant of St. Margaret of Cortona church in Rotterdam Junction. Janet was a woman of excellence and integrity. She was someone who would always do what was right, go the extra mile and help anyone in need. She grew up in the Depression years and learned early on how to be frugal. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and shopping for bargains. She had a knack for finding interesting ways to make sure her family had all that they needed. She accomplished this through faith, commitment and personal sacrifice. She provided her children with strength, love and enlightenment. She helped build their homes, made their clothes and helped raise their children. Janet's greatest joys revolved around her children, her extended family and all special family occasions. She especially loved weekly lunches with her siblings, playing Bridge with her friends and playing Pinochle with her family.She was also an avid reader who liked to solve mysteries and read stories with happy endings. She was a kind person of great dignity, who touched many lives. She was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. The good she did in her lifetime will affect many generations to come. Mrs. Testo is survived by her husband Joe, her loving children, Janet (Gil) Dunn, Jean (Dan) Hubicki, Kathleen Fraser, Joseph Testo, Daniel (Pat) Testo, Susan (Eric) Pedersen, William Testo, Nancy (Jeff) Salamon, Stephen (Kyle) Testo and Richard (Jill) Testo; Twenty cherished grandchildren and four precious great grandchildren. Also her sisters, Jean McKee and Joan Trolenburg and her brother Bill (Bettie) Cox, several in-laws, nieces, nephews, many bridge friends and her special friend and caregiver, Gloria Farone Brush. She was predeceased by her grandson, Colin Pedersen, her son-in-law, Jack Fraser and her sisters, Rita Bove and Ruth Bergener. Calling hours will be held Saturday December 28 2013 from10 am to 12 pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. A memorial service will immediately follow at 12 pm. Interment at a later date in St. John's Cemetery, Troy.