ONEONTA – A long time Oneonta and surrounding area educator and instructor of physical education, dance, fitness and yoga, Janet Jean Westlund Bresee passed away peacefully in her home on August 16, 2016.

The only child of Ernst Hugo and Rita (Kennedy) Westlund, Janet was born February 9, 1928 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Private regarding her actual age, she would often fill out forms or reply to the question of age by stating "over 21".

She attended grade school and senior high school in Decatur, Illinois. A graduate of James Milliken University with a Bachelor of Science degree, she then pursued her Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin. Janet's first teaching position after having been personally interviewed and hired by the President of Oneonta State Teachers College, Dr. Royal Netzer, brought her from the Midwest to the East coast in 1952. She soon met Jack L. Bresee of Oneonta whom she married that same year in the Little Church Around the Corner, in New York City. Janet had and continually studied various dance techniques throughout her life, under many prominent dance professionals. She was fortunate to be an early personal student of Joseph Pilates, a current, poplar system of exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and posture. While raising her two children, Janet began teaching private classes (ballet, modern, tap, jazz, ballroom) in a Chestnut Street studio space located above what was once Sawyer's Cleaners. She also joined the Hartwick College faculty, where she founded and advised the Orchesis Dance Club, which is still active today. Her career at Hartwick College spanned over 35 years. Never having officially retired, she gradually limited her class schedule, continuing to nurture and inspire her students well into her eighties.

Janet and Jack were also avid Hartwick College basketball fans. Many adults benefited from her gentle approach to relaxation techniques and yoga offered through Health Links at Fox Care. Janet was active in many local organizations including: Catskill Symphony Orchestra, Oneonta Concert Association, Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Daughters of the American Revolution, American Association of University Women, and Philanthropic Educational Organization. Janet's church affiliation was with First Church of Christ, Scientist, Oneonta. She devotedly served in several positions such as First Reader, Second Reader, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Board of Trustee member, as well as pianist upon occasion. Janet exuded a positive spirit and attitude in daily life, expressing gratitude and grace to all those around her.

Jack her husband of 52 years, predeceased her in 2013. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Lee Lado (Dr. William), and her son, Bret Ernst Bresee (Wendy Alley) of Oneonta; grandson, Ryan Westlund Naatz, of Goodyear Lake, and granddaughter, Tasha Lee Naatz, of Boston, MA. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Cards of condolences may be mailed to the family at 8 Taft Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Following a private burial, there will be an informal reception at Stella Luna Ristorante, Oneonta, on Saturday, September 3, 2016, 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. in memory and honor of Janet's life. The family invites friends and colleagues to attend.

Expressions of sympathy may also be sent online to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.