Search Results

STRIEGEL-WILSON -- Jana Striegel-Wilson, dancer, writer and lover of life, passed away December 17, 2006 at 51. Born in Oklahoma City and a longtime Albuquerque resident, Jana began dancing at age three. Later she performed for regional ballet companies, musical theater and Six Flags Over Mid America. She studied at the International Ballet Seminar in Copenhagen and served as choreographer and producer/director for the Albuquerque and New Mexico Junior Miss Scholarship program. A UNM graduate, Jana taught ballet, tap and jazz in her own dance studio and developed a class teaching preschoolers reading through movement. Holiday House published her middle school novel "Homeroom Exercise" in 2002. She was working on another middle school novel, "The Test," when she lost her 12-year battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed while pregnant with her son, Tanner, Jana and her husband, Mark Wilson became pioneers when they elected to do chemotherapy although advised against it. Her successful pregnancy inspired her article for The New York Times. MSNBC interviewed Jana and Mark on their extraordinary decision. A friend recently wrote, "Against incredible odds, you chose to give your baby a chance at life even when you knew the risks involved. And look what you have! A handsome, bright son!" For the past 10 years, Jana battled the return of her cancer with a stubborn ferocity while maintaining her passion for life, continuing to write, staying active in writers' groups, volunteering at Tanner's school, gardening and celebrating each day. Jana leaves behind her husband, Mark; adored son, Tanner; mother, Jan Striegel; brothers, Rick Striegel and Ron Striegel; and a host of valued and faithful friends who admired her continuing optimism, strength and sense of humor. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on January 7, 2007 at 1 p.m., please e-mail Mark: lived-well@janastriegel.com for directions. Contributions honoring Jana's life may be made to Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators of New Mexico, (SCBWI NM), c/o Chris Eboch, P.O. Box 1084, Socorro, NM 87801; or Friends of Dance, c/o UNM Foundation, MSC07 4260, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131; or New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, 4901 Lang Ave., Albuquerque, NM 87109.
        Published on: Wed December 20, 2006