Honoring
Kay and Janet Lasley

Kay Lasley died on February 25 at the age of 85. She was a tall, rangy, athletic woman of immense energy and goodwill who took scuba divers all over the world, diving off reefs and in caves. In South Africa, she was known as the “shark lady” for her work with the Shark Research Institute. She was an avid swimmer and joined the Princeton Rowing Club in her 60s. She was also a founder, with Chomy Garces, of NAMI Mercer.

In the early 1980s, four families began to meet regularly in Lois Teegarten’s living room, with Millie Foria, Joanne Freedman, Virginia Anderson, and the Teegartens. Things really began moving when Chomy and Tom Garces, Gloria Blumenthal, and Kay joined the group. They took turns serving as President and VP. Kay led the organization (1994 - 1998) through the years it took to buy and set up NAMI residential houses for mental health consumers. At the time MAMI (Mercer Alliance for the Mentally Ill, our former name) took the initiative, housing was the most critical need facing people affected by mental illness and their families. The families knew independent living was crucial to the full functioning of their family members.

These families were the pioneers in the state and county on this issue. Kay and John bought a house for their son, David, to share with some others. They inspired the organization to seek funding for similar houses. Kay was largely responsible for landing two mortgages with HUD. It was her patience and good humor that kept the others going. The whole process took about five years. Kay’s foresight, energy and time made it happen.

Janet May Lasley died on May 13, 2010 after an epic battle with cancer that lasted over 12 years. While Janet put much time and energy into managing her treatment, she did not allow cancer to dominate her existence. Instead, she used it as inspiration to focus ever more passionately on a fully engaged life raising her family, connecting deeply with friends, growing her design and construction business, traveling far and wide, helping others achieve life dreams.

Janet was the founder and president of Lasley Construction, Inc., established in 1985. She was a pioneer as the only woman to own a construction firm in Princeton. In 1998, she co-founded Lasley Brahaney Architecture and Construction with her husband Marc.

Ms. Lasley was equally active in the community. She served on the Board of Directors of the Foundation at the University Medical Center at Princeton and chaired several charity events. She was especially dedicated to raising awareness and money for cancer care and research. She also was involved in several non-profits including HomeFront, the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Stony Brook Watershed, and the Rocky Hill Planning Board.

According to her husband, “Janet’s creative vision, ability to think outside the box, and her boundless enthusiasm profoundly influenced the lives of those she touched. Janet is deeply missed and her passion and spirit carry us through each day.”

Tributes to Kay from four past presidents of NAMI Mercer:

Chomy Garces (1992 - 1994)
When I joined NAMI, I had already met Kay and David at Christopher House. We learned a lot from Kay, John, and David. Those meetings were our introduction to a long and bumpy road called Mental Illness. Kay was already involved with a small group that met in the Lawrenceville Library, and she gave me a phone number and suggested that I try this group. How could I have imagined that this telephone number would save our lives?

Kay was at my side at my first NAMI Mercer meeting. She was always there for me when I started on this long road, and she taught me that there was not much we could do to help our children, but we did have control of how we reacted to the illness. She encouraged and guided us. Her positive experience running a house for David led us to try this for Becky. Our daughter lived there many years, and it was a good experience for our family. Kay’s home was open every summer for her picnics. It was not easy those first days when our children came but did not know how to socialize with each other.

Others would have given up; Kay persisted. I never will forget this very special woman who gave so generously of herself.

Bill Wilmot (1998 - 2002)
We see only one view of Kay through the lens of NAMI, but this perspective reveals an extraordinary person without airs or pretense, open, warm, kind, generous, delightful, resolute, venturesome, fearless, upbeat and unflappable. The many that benefit from what NAMI offers are forever indebted to Kay for her contributions.

For us, her roles start with co-founder of NAMI Mercer and extend to friend, caregiver, leader, volunteer, supporter, and innovator in the area of housing. After her stroke, by focusing in a characteristically upbeat manner on what remains rather than obsessing over what is lost, she became an inspiration to all in search of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

We are not the only ones to benefit from her influence. It extends to all who follow and is an immortal and glorious legacy.

Ellen Heath (2002 - 2005)
In her later years, Kay managed her physical difficulties with the same positive spirit she brought to her NAMI activities. She still looked forward to the next adventure. She relished the annual picnic, when she was surrounded by so many people she had supported over the years.

We are all grateful to Kay for demonstrating how life-giving a non-judgmental attitude can be, and how joy can persist even through the greatest of life’s blows.

Pat Demers (2005 - 2008)
Before our office moved from Lakeview Drive, Kay would breeze in with immense energy and spirit and give encouragement and help. Later, after her initial heart surgery, she would come into the office even though she wasn’t well. After her stroke, we honored her, and she came in her wheelchair. The room was packed but full of happiness.

In my last days on the Help Line, John would bring Kay in her wheelchair. Even though she could only use one hand, she would stuff and stamp envelopes and do that alone. She would make calls to former members and encourage them to return to NAMI. I attended the picnics at her house many times and through those years, she always welcomed the company, especially all the Just Friends.

She and John came to Night Out with NAMI up to the end. She will be missed.