Janet Smith Haefeli, 86, Was Active as Volunteer

Janet Smith Haefeli, 86, of Dunwoody Village (Newtown Square), Pa., and East Chop, died on Tuesday, Nov. 18. She was the wife of the late Walter Haefeli Jr., whom she married in 1946.

Born in Albany, she grew up in Pelham, N.Y. She was graduated from Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Conn. During World War II, she lived in Boston and was a radio operator. As a young woman, she dabbled in many creative endeavors, taking classes in dress designing, leather work, designing and making silver jewelry.

She spent much of her life in Strafford, Pa., on the Philadelphia main line where she and her husband, Walter, raised their two children, Barbara and Bill.

When not participating in her family life, she was out volunteering. Her activities ranged from weekend church receptionist to the Junior League, the League of Women Voters and volunteering at the Devon Country Fair. In recent years at Dunwoody Village, she volunteered to purchase cards for the gift shop, write for "Inside Dunwoody" and push the book cart.

On the Vineyard she volunteered at the hospital and in the Thrift Shop. She was also a member of the Martha's Vineyard Garden Club and a regular attendee at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. She belonged to the East Chop Beach Club, the East Chop Tennis Club and the East Chop Association.

Janet first came to the Vineyard with her grandmother when she was a teenager. They stayed at the Harbor View in Edgartown. She returned years later with her husband-to-be and visited East Chop. After they were married and had a family, they bought a home on Winemack avenue where they spent many an enjoyable evening entertaining friends on their porch.

Janet had many interests and always wanted to learn something new. She took many classes offered in the community and correspondence schools. She was very appreciative of the people and natural life surrounding her. She was known for her wonderful letter writing, her attention to detail and her warm heart -- especially to those in need.

Janet was athletic in a graceful manner. She was an excellent ballroom dancer; as a young woman, she was often asked to demonstrate the steps. Before their children were born, Janet and Walter loved going to New York city nightclubs where their dancing drew applause on a regular basis. She was also a beautiful swimmer.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara F. Haefeli, of Austin, Tex., and her son, William W. Haefeli, of Los Angeles, Calif., who miss her greatly.

The interment and memorial service were held at St. David's Episcopal Church in suburban Philadelphia on Dec. 1. It would have been her 87th birthday. In lieu of flowers, it was her wish that a contribution be made to the charity of the donor's choice.