Devoted to her community
Stocktonian of the Year works tirelessly
for benevolent groups and their causes
(Reprinted from The Record, Wednesday, December 15, 2004) Kathleen Lagorio Janssen is a very fitting choice as the
51st Stocktonian of the Year. The nine-member selection committee for the annual honor -- which is entering its second half-century -- have chosen one of the most unassuming and humble recipients ever. Lagorio Janssen, known for her generosity of spirit, is involved in so many charitable, nonprofit and benevolent organizations it's a wonder she has time for anything else. Yet she's devoted to her family and, along with husband, Dean Janssen, helps manage the family farming
business (spread from Madera to Clarksburg) and six Manteca-area companies affiliated with it. The Ace Tomato Co. president learned about her selection by reading a surprise message that had been taped to a cardboard boxtop for Ace Hi Roma tomatoes, one of the company's products. That ploy was appropriately unassuming. Lagorio Janssen is one of those rare individuals who gives of herself without seeking any public credit. She's reserved and remarkable at the same time.
"When I look at the previous list of winners, it's a who's-who of Stockton," she said. "I have a hard time imagining myself in that company." Much of her work on community boards and organizations is based on the example of her parents, George and Evelyn Lagorio, who founded the companies she now directs. They taught her the value of giving back with their words and deeds. She's following their example. "I don't know when she eats or
sleeps," said Colleen Stewart, the selection committee's chairwoman. Lagorio Janssen is helping in St. Mary's High School's rebuilding project. St. Joseph's Medical Center is beginning a $73 million expansion (see below), and she will be involved. Lagorio Janssen does more than just offer financial support, participating on a time-consuming number of boards and committees. She'll be honored during a Feb. 6 dinner at Stockton Golf & Country Club by the Stockton
Council of the Central Valley Association of Realtors, which sponsors the award. The only thing organizers have to worry about is getting the shy, modest recipient to show up. She'd much rather be planning how to pay tribute to somebody else. This time, the spotlight shines on the farmer's daughter whose devotion to her community never has gone unnoticed. Stocktonians of the Year * 2004: Kathleen Lagorio Janssen; 2003: Ed Coy; 2002: Phyllis Grupe; 2001: C.
Joseph Crane; 2000: Ray Baglietto. * 1999: David Brewer; 1998: Ross Bewley 1997: Sharon Simas; 1996: Bob Kavanaugh; 1995: Dennis "Don" Geiger; 1994: Geraldine Dunlap; 1993: Donald R. Stewart; 1992: Floyd Weaver; 1991: Robert Whittington; 1990: Guillermo Vicuņa. * 1989: Mimi Eberhardt; 1988: Rudy Croce; 1987: Joseph B. Serra; 1986: Virgil Gianelli; 1985: Leo C. D'Or; 1984: Greenlaw "Fritz" Grupe; 1983: Bing Wallace; 1982: Helen Verber Crane; 1981: Don Shrader;
1980: Thelma Stewart. * 1979: Alex G. Spanos; 1978: Marian Jacobs; 1977: Pat Noble; 1976: Stuart Gibbons;1975; Robert Eberhardt; 1974: Warren Atherton; 1973: D. David Smith; 1972: Eugene Castles; 1971: John Cecchini; 1970: Pearl West. * 1969: Ort Loftus; 1968: Laurence Drivon; 1967: B.L. "Bernie" Faunce; 1966: Michael Canlis; 1965: Fred Schneider; 1964: Reed Robbins: 1963: Jack O'Keefe; 1962: Harold Nelson; 1961: Emerson French: 1960: Jacob Fetzer. * 1959: J.A.
Simpson; 1958: George Ernest; 1957: Fred Bitterman; 1956: Harvey Stull; 1955: Dean De Carli; 1954: J. Corbin Shepherd. << Previous Article | 
