It was with much regret that the friends of Janet Bohdanowicz learned of her untimely passing a few short months ago.

Janet was an important voice in Anglo-Polish relations and she will be much missed, both, for her professional contributions and for her personal and friendly style.

Although British by birth, Janet adopted Poland through her family, Antek, her devoted husband, and her four children, Ola, Toni, Andrzej and Anatol.

Janet was here on a mission to assist Poland in realizing its full potential by sharing her invaluable marketing experience and emphasizing the importance of ethnical and social awareness. During her time in Poland, Janet taught at Warsaw University, worked with the Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum, enabling the young and unemployed to work, and latterly was European MBA course leader at Ko¼miński Business School. She also published books and was on the board of the Sue Ryder Foundation.

On a personal level, Janet enjoyed life and remained optimistic throughout her yearlong battle against cancer. A convert to Catholicism, Janet drew strength from Pope John Paul II's example.

Her passing touched many people and condolences were received from across Poland, England and as far afield as China and Egypt.

Former British ambassadors to Poland contributed their own sentiments. John McGregor made reference to Janet "bridging the Polish and British cultures... and was an inspiration to all who had the honour and pleasure of knowing her."

Michael Packenham said: "Janet was always a force for life and so ready to help others. Her contribution to the Prince of Wales projects was outstanding. She is sadly missed."

And, finally, the current British ambassador, Charles Crawford, said: "We in the embassy who were privileged to know Janet will not forget her optimism, honesty, open-heartedness and above all her great sense of faith and commitment, not least in her final months with us."

Janet was laid to rest on Sept. 28 in Komorów near Warsaw. Perhaps we may conclude with her favorite quote from the Old Testament: "Where you go I will go. Your people will be my people, your God my God, where you die I will die, and there I will be buried." That is how Janet felt about Poland and its people.
Leslie Sheldon