Dedicated educator, artist, traveler, great-grandmother

Janet P. Wright died peacefully May 31 in Claremont at the age of 87. “A devoted educator, mother, wife, and artist, Janet lived a life defined by resilience, curiosity, and deep compassion for others,” her family shared.

Janet was born on July 13, 1937, to parents Arthur William Bellin and Lorna Phyllis Schedeen Bellin in Portland, Oregon. She spent most of her childhood in rural parts of the state, with brief moves to Idaho and Washington as her family followed her father’s work as a “catskinner,” operating heavy machinery to build roads.

In 1945, the family settled on their first farm in Hillsview, near Gresham, where they grew vegetables. They later moved to a second farm in Mehama, where she attended Stayton High School, graduating in 1955. She went on to study English at Oregon State University, where she was introduced to Gerry Wright, a friend of her twin brother, Jerry. She and Gerry married in 1957. Two years later, she graduated with a degree in English and began her teaching career in Albany, working with elementary schoolchildren.

The couple moved to Los Angeles in 1962 for her husband’s work. Two months later, she gave birth to twin daughters, Deborah and Diana. In 1965, she began teaching English at Troy High School in Fullerton and later chaired the department. Her passion for helping students excel led her to develop a special education program called Project Succeed, while continuing her own education. She earned a master’s degree and, in 1980, a Ph.D. in career counseling.

Following her divorce in 1981, she relocated to Claremont to become vice principal of Montclair High School, a position she held for several years. In 1982, she met her future husband, Roy Genger, during a Parents Without Partners/Sierra Club hike. Their shared love of the outdoors grew into a deep bond, leading them to participate together in countless running events, including marathons and half-marathons.

Her career in education continued to thrive. She became the principal of Upland High School and in the late 1990s accepted a leadership role in the superintendent’s office at the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.

She and Roy were married January 2, 1999 at Claremont United Church of Christ, where they were both long-time members. Their marriage officially united their families, and she welcomed her new husband’s daughter, Lani, as her own. That same year, she from her career in education and embarked on a new journey as an artist. She quickly gained recognition as an accomplished painter, with her work exhibited in galleries around the world and honored with numerous awards.

Together, the couple traveled to 34 countries, deepening their shared love of culture, adventure, and learning. “Her zest for life, boundless curiosity, and warm spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she met,” her family added.

She is survived by her loving husband, Roy Genger; daughters Deborah Myers (Mitch) of Chino, Diana Eddy (Mark) of Canyon Country, California, and Lani Genger Estes (Eric) of Rescue, California; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; niece Angela Bellin (Jason Bergschneider); and nephew Chris Bellin. She is also survived by her brother Jerry Bellin of Keizer, Oregon; sisters, Barbara Bellin of Ottawa, Canada, and Virginia Tobin of Shizuoka-shi, Japan.

“She will be remembered for her fierce dedication to education, her creative spirit, her faith in God, and the quiet strength with which she led her life. Her legacy lives on in the lives of her family, former students, and the many communities she touched,” her family said.

A celebration of life will take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12 at Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 W. Harrison Ave., Claremont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in her memory.