by Daniella Ignacio ’17 and Megan Boeckel ’17
On Wednesday, March 22, West Essex students and staff banded together to honor the memory of Dr. Jan Huston-Pryor. They collectively wore pink to pay homage to the prominent breast cancer surgeon who impacted the lives of many. Patients, friends and family members alike said they are heartbroken about her death.
“Jan showed everyone around her what it meant to love unconditionally,” said senior Kelsey Witzel, who knew Huston-Pryor well from her involvement with the First Presbyterian Church in Caldwell. “From always participating in sandwich nights at the soup kitchen to hosting youth group events at her already hectic house, she was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her optimistic outlook on life and welcoming personality was something that her church community and I loved most, and something we will never, ever forget.”
Huston-Pryor’s death came as a shock to many. On Tuesday, March 21, Huston-Pryor, 66, was struck by a vehicle in Essex Fells and killed. Hundreds of people attended her wake and funeral at the First Presbyterian Church the following weekend.
Among these hundreds of people were her husband, Jonathan, her children’s nanny and her close personal friend, Amy Kolb, and her 12 children: Lupita, Daniela, Andrew, Julia, Aleona, Timothy, Jessica, Elizabeth, Roy, Luke, Hayet and Maeruf. Many of them graduated from or are attending West Essex, and 10 of them were adopted from Texas, Guatemala, Mexico, Russia, China and Ethiopia.
Kolb said that Huston-Pryor taught her patience and perseverance, both in her words and in her actions.
“She helped anyone and everyone whenever she could,” Kolb said. “Every one of her kids who have done the Hero Essay at West Essex in seventh grade did their essay on their mom.”
“I will always remember Mom for giving me such an amazing life,” Lupita said. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for her.”
Huston-Pryor’s family extends beyond her immediate relatives; it also includes anyone who ever felt changed for the better by her. One student from Essex Fells, who is close to Luke Pryor, came to the administration the day after her death and asked if everyone who wore pink could all gather in the gym and take a picture to show their support. What was Mr. Diliberto’s response? “Absolutely.”
“I thought it was an unbelievable show of compassion, love and support by our kids,” Assistant Principal Ms. Hoebee said.
When they saw the picture of all the students and teachers wearing pink, the family and Kolb said they were overwhelmed but felt reassured that they weren’t alone in their grief.
“I was so impressed with the quickness you got it organized and so happy you got it done,” Kolb said. “I think it was a wonderful sign of love and caring from you all.”
“When I heard the school was wearing pink, it was really nice,” Luke said. “My mom would have loved to see a sea of pink. She loved what the pink stood for.”
The Pryors said they are grateful for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received from the community. They hope that Huston-Pryor’s memory will continue to live on.
“I would like everyone to think about how they could affect the community like she did and then act out a kind gesture; all it takes is a smile at a stranger,” Lupita said. “I know I’m going to do my best to live by her example.”
How you can help:
The public is free to share condolences and honor her memory at http://codeyjonesfh.com/tribute/details/204/Jan-Pryor/obituary.html#tribute-start.
