Obituary: Janie Sue Danen Nagler

November 29, 1947 – October 25, 2026

Janie Sue Danen Nagler, 78, passed away on October 25, 2026, with her beloved husband and daughter by her side. A devoted wife of 55 years, loving mother, cherished grandmother, sister, and friend, Janie will be remembered for her warmth, generous spirit, and the lasting difference she made in others’ lives.

Born on November 29, 1947, to Franklyn and Elaine Danen, Janie grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut, alongside her brother, Richard, and sister, Kathy. She attended Crosby High School, where she served as captain of the cheerleading team, and was also a competitive swimmer at the local YMCA. Her enthusiasm, determination, and natural ability to bring people together were qualities that stayed with her throughout her life.

Following high school, Janie began pursuing her degree in speech pathology at Northwestern University, where she studied for two years before transferring to Emerson College to complete her degree. She later earned her master’s degree at the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany), continuing her education in a field that would become her lifelong passion.

Janie shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Ernest “Ernie” Nagler. They settled together in Higganum, CT where they built a life filled with family, love, and adventure. They especially enjoyed road trips across the United States and Canada, exploring new places and creating lasting memories along the way.

As a mother, Janie was endlessly loving, nurturing, and devoted. She filled her children’s lives with encouragement, unconditional love, and support, always making sure they knew how deeply they were loved. She took tremendous pride in her children and grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Janie cherished family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving, when she loved bringing everyone together. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, and walking. Known for her beautiful smile and generous heart, she had a special gift for making people feel welcome and valued. Treating others with kindness was simply her way of life.

Janie’s career as a speech-language pathologist was much more than a profession; it was her calling. She dedicated her life to helping children and adults with a wide range of speech, language, and communication challenges. From helping young children develop essential communication skills to supporting autistic children and their families, to assisting adults recovering from strokes and other conditions, Janie approached every individual with patience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Her greatest reward was seeing those she helped gain confidence, independence, and the ability to express themselves.

Her commitment extended beyond her professional practice when she founded and led the Middlesex Stroke Club, creating a supportive community where stroke survivors and their families could connect, share experiences, and find encouragement. Through her work and leadership, Janie made a meaningful difference in countless lives.

When her father faced Alzheimer’s disease, Janie helped care for him with remarkable tenderness and patience. Through her example, she showed those around her what it truly means to care for another person. Years later, as Janie faced her own journey with Alzheimer’s, those lessons came full circle, as she was surrounded by the same care and devotion she had always shown others.

Janie is survived by her beloved husband, Ernest Nagler; her daughter, Rachel Schpero, and son-in-law, Stephen Schpero; and her son, Ari Nagler, and daughter-in-law, Heather Nagler. She was a proud grandmother to Josh and Lily Schpero, and Danen and Jayden Nagler.

She is also survived by her brother, Richard Danen, and his wife, Debbie, and her sister, Kathy Rabin, and her husband, Paul.
A woman who spent her life helping others find their voices leaves behind a legacy that will continue to speak through the people she helped, the family she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
A celebration of Janie’s life will be held in March 2027, with further details to be shared with family and friends.

In the meantime, all are warmly invited to join our Team Butterfly at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Rentschler Field. Whether you choose to walk in Janie’s honor or simply gather with us to share memories and enjoy refreshments, we would love to have you there. Chairs and a gathering area will be available for those who prefer not to walk. There is no need to register in advance; those wishing to participate in the walk can scan a QR code on a flyer at our gathering area to register that morning. Just look for the Team Butterfly sign to find us. Everyone is welcome as we come together to honor Janie’s life and legacy.