Janice Fletcher spreads “wisdom of the lighthouse”

After 25 years of service to the Lasell community, beloved Director of Counseling Janice Fletcher passed away after a courageous batter with cancer on July 6. Fletcher is anything but forgotten, with a legacy stretching far across Lasell’s campus.

When Fletcher first arrived, the Counseling Center was one room. Presently, there are five staff clinicians as well as a part time psychiatrist to consult privately. Aside from growing the counseling center, her reach to students was expansive. Fletcher orchestrated Fresh Check Day, which serves as a wellness and stress relief fair for students.

Fletcher developed relationships across campus and spread her kindness around all aspects of Lasell. Above all, she valued her students and the focus was always on academic life. She viewed one of her roles to be a teacher in the sense that she put a lot of focus into student development.

 

A memorial held in her honor was hosted on Sept. 8. The service was held at the Newton Highlands Congregational Church. The church was completely filled with friends, family, colleagues, and students united to celebrate Fletcher’s life. Beautiful words were spoken in tribute, as well as many musical pieces to reflect her personality. “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy was played as a remembrance to her fascination with the moon.

 

Her positive attitude and nurturing nature made her a perfect fit for a college campus. Fletcher worked with Peer Health Educators and Mentors, Residential Life, worked as the academic advisor for Active Minds, and taught a first-year seminar course on Stress Relief.

Fletcher’s caring nature was reflected in her personal life, fostering cats and spreading smiles to everyone she encountered.

Janice is survived by her husband, Tom Fletcher, and two daughters, Christine Fletcher Graham and Megan Fletcher. Before her passing, she was able to meet her grandchild for the first time.