Jackson, Belen L. Belen L. Jackson, age 54, of Chicago, beloved wife of Tom, devoted daughter of Marianna and the late Stanley Janus, loving sister of Linda, Cynthia and Stanley, dear niece of Aunt Marie Stanley, "Auntie Fun" of Chad, Angela, Cortney and Susan and great-aunt of Kayla and Carissa,"Adopted Mother" of Loki. Bel was a graduate of Loyola University Mundelein College, an active participant of Open Lands Chicago Treekeepers organization, a member of the Portage Park Garden Club, her home was featured in the annual garden walk. She was a member and Executive Chef of the Mystick Krewe of LAFF Social Aid and Pleasure Club, where her jambalaya was award winning. She will also be remembered for her artistic endeavors including jewelry, stain glass, and pottery, as well as being a great cook and mixologist. On Saturday, November 28 a Memorial Tribute will be aired on WLUW 88.7 FM (online at wluw.org) at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4550 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sweet Home New Orleans (sweethomeneworleans.org) are appreciated. 
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Tom Jackson.
TreeKeeper #920
December 15, 2009
Not to sure if there is a need to plant trees in heaven, but I'm pretty sure they might need some pruning now and then.
Belen can take of those trees now....
mike harbinson
December 1, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Sherly
December 1, 2009
Just look at that face..........................
Tom Bender
December 1, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the Janus and Jackson family. Belen was a classmate of mine and I will always remember her sweet smile and fun loving personality. She will be thought of and missed.
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Dodie Pavichevich-Bukala
December 1, 2009
I remember Belen from growing up in Hegewisch. Her laugh was contagious and always made me smile. May your memories of her help you through this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
June Klucker-Aspril
December 1, 2009
I, too, fondly remember Belen from Hegewisch and my younger years,and sad that we lost touch. She was always so much fun and so kind. Prayers and warm thoughts to her family and friends.
Debbie Pressley-Bowden
December 1, 2009
Belen was one of the nicest of my school friends. She was a very talented and beautiful person. I am very sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts are with you Tom, and your entire family.
Tina Pindara
December 1, 2009
To the Jackson and Janus Families,
I will miss the only Mystic that has graced my life. I went to school with Bel and remember her fondly. It sounds like she lived a truly fantastic life. My prayers are with you.

GOD Bless you Belen...
Gene Popovich
December 1, 2009
Tom,
When i heard that Belen had passed away,my heart just sank.She was one of my best friends.My prayer and heart goes out to you Tom.I will miss her very,very much.GOD Bless and protect you...All my Love..gene

My Heart goes out to Belen.A true friend indeed.
Gene Popovich
December 1, 2009
Gene Popovich
Devonna Beasley Antoniewicz
December 1, 2009
Belen was a cherished childhood friend and she will be missed ... my prayers go out to her family and friends. Devonna, Hegewisch IL
Terry Quinn
November 29, 2009
Oh god, Tom, what a horrible thing. I know I didn't keep in touch since leaving Chicago, but I would hear occasionally of you both from Grace. I remember you both fondly. And I remember Belen's great laugh. She shared that laughter often. You all had the best Halloween parties and it was great fun to celebrate with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
November 29, 2009
Tom: I am so sad to know of the loss to you and all of Belen's friends in the Krewe. Sigh. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Linda, and all. Elaine Ricketts Hicks
Phyllis (Strug) McQueen
November 28, 2009
To Tom and the Janus family,
I was shocked and saddened to see Belen's obituary in the Sun-Times. It took me back to 1969 or so in Hegewisch. I can't say we were best friends, but we hung out for a while and she was just a magical person. I remember she was very artistic and I was in awe of her. I remember thinking she had the most beautiful hair. The picture you picked out for her obituary captured her so well. I haven't stopped thinking about her for the last couple of days and feeling sorry that we didn't keep in touch. I'm thinking the world is a much sadder place without Belen in it. My condolences to you all.
Ed Walsh & Jennifer Simon
November 28, 2009
Tom,
We are so saddened to hear of Belen's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathies,
Laura Malyj
November 28, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cathie and Ron Wiens
November 28, 2009
We are just so sad that Bel has left us for now. There is no way to prepare for this huge loss. We are, however, so thankful that she was such a part of our lives - we always picked up our friendship right where it left off - no matter how much time had passed. We will count on that being true when we join her in the next life. We love her and all of you.
November 28, 2009
Tom-
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts are with you.
Judge
Cyndi Tierney
November 28, 2009
Tom-
News of Belen made it to Bruce in Japan and he was good enough to pass it on to me. You and Bel brought Chicago alive for me and I had a marvelous time in your company. She was larger than life.
A heartfelt ache from Nashville . . .
Jeff Smith
November 28, 2009
Tom, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Bel. You're in my prayers.
Nancy VanderHye
November 28, 2009
I was very saddened on hearing that Bel passed away. She and I became quick friends at the TreeKeepers classes and plantings. She shared her love of New Orleans with me. I will miss my new friend.
Edward Solger
November 28, 2009
Tom, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts an prayers will be with you during this trying time. God Bless you and your family.

Ravinia 2009
November 27, 2009
Marcia Lyman
November 27, 2009
Tom,
We have shared so many wonderful times with you and Bel. We will miss seeing her when celebrating special family events or just checking out "good music" with you guys. I will always cherish all of our time together. Please know that we are here for you and you can count on us for anything!
Love,
Marcia and Mike
Gail Johnson
November 27, 2009
Tom,
We were so sorry to hear from Maureen of your terrible loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and keeping you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Gail and Chris
Michael Harnett
November 27, 2009
Tom,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and Belen's family. I really don't know what else to say, Bel will be missed dearly. Anything I can do for you let me know.
Marcie Moreno
November 27, 2009
Dear Family,
We were saddened to hear of Belen's passing. Our hearts, hugs, and prayers go out to you all! I will always remember her warm heart and beautiful smile! Sorry we couldn't be there with you all.
" May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24
Love, Marcie, Mark, Jessica, Emily & Jacob Moreno
Marcie Moreno
November 27, 2009
Dear Family,
We were saddened to hear of Belen's passing. Our hearts, hugs, and prayers go out to you all! I will always remember her warm heart and beautiful smile! Sorry we couldn't be there with you all.
" May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24
Love, Marcie, Mark, Jessica, Emily & Jacob Moreno
Jesse & Linda Alvarado
November 27, 2009
Tom, You have my deepest condolences. While I know that my dearly loved cousin has moved on to a better world to be with our Lord, her passing is something that is so hard to accept. The love and warm smile that Belen always offered to those in her presence will be missed immensely. Jesse & Linda Alvarado
Anne Dalton
November 27, 2009
Tom - my heart goes out to you and your entire family during this time. Through all of her creative endeavors, Bel has left such a prescious gift for the world to enjoy. May God provide strength and peace to you. Sending my prayers and love.
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