Obituary

JANET ELLEN BROMLEY
(January 31, 1925 - September 10, 2016)

Janet Ellen Ensign Bromley of Huntington WV passed on September 10, 2016 at the age of 91 after an extended period of decline. Janet is survived by her sons Darwin P Bromley (wife Trella) of Jacksonville FL, David B Bromley (wife Julie) of Glenview IL, and William H Bromley (wife Nancy) of Morton Grove IL, and by her beloved grandchildren Miriam and Claire Bromley of Morton Grove IL and Elizabeth, M. Paul, Janet, and Daniel Bromley of Jacksonville FL. She is preceded in death by her parents Darwin Abbott and Janet Etta Parsons Ensign of Huntington WV, by her son Peter Yarwood Bromley of Jacksonville FL and by her former husband and life-long friend N. Paul Bromley. Janet is also survived by Norma Bromley (widow of Paul Bromley), a family presence and dear friend.  Janet E. Bromley was born on January 31, 1925 in Huntington WV to Darwin and Janet Ensign. She graduated from Marshall College Laboratory School in 1943, then attended Oberlin College, graduating in 1947 with degrees in both Music Performance and Music Education. After graduation Janet taught at Berea College before returning to Huntington. There she met and married Norman Paul Bromley August 5, 1949. Together they had four sons from 1950 to 1956. Janet initially subordinated her music career to the nurturing and care of her family. She supported her sons in their varied activities, acting as den mother, driver, art teacher, music coach, tour director, referee, and ever-present mom. With Paul and her parents, she passed to her sons a love of games that strongly influenced their lives. She continued until all had graduated from university. During this family-focused time, she performed her violin for the sons and their friends, in church (particularly First Church UCC), in local orchestras, and on special occasions. Once her sons had established their own lives and careers, Janet returned to her great love of performance and sharing her love of music. For over 50 years she played her violin and viola for thousands in and around Huntington. Janet performed in many varied venues, from formal concerts with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra, Huntington Chamber Orchestra, Marshall University Symphony Orchestra, and the Huntington Pops Orchestra, to many less formal events - recitals, weddings, receptions, dinners, private performances, pit orchestras, and even the occasional car dealership opening. She and her friends often performed as the Baroque Chamber Ensemble, and together they shared their virtuosity and love of music and acted as ambassadors of fine music to the Huntington community for many years. By coordinating Cabell County Schools, music performance ensembles, and state and local funding agencies, thousands of school children were exposed to the joy and positive experiences of musical performances through the EFFORT program that she established and led. With the collaboration of many, she created the On Line, In Rhythm program at the Huntington Museum of Art to introduce the arts - music, dance and visual - to local school children. For this work and the many other instances in which she gave her leadership, virtuosity and financial support, Janet was considered by many as Huntington’s “Matriarch of Music” and honored by city and state and by the communities that she loved. Away from her music, Janet led a private life. She was a life long (from birth) congregant of First Congregational United Church of Christ, where she played regularly and was an active leader and supporter. She loved gardening, particularly roses, and “Janet’s Jungle” was a place of relaxation and repose during her busy life. Janet enjoyed travel, particularly to visit family and to make new friends. Janet was an able financial leader for her family and community, having learned from her father and relying on the help of good friends like Robert Astorg and Ann Stamm. Janet was active on the boards of First Church, the Huntington Symphony, the Huntington Museum of Art, Service Machine Company, Mayfair Games Inc and others. Janet provided financial support to several endeavors, including Mayfair Games (founded by Darwin and Peter). She was generous in supporting the music community and her church. Viewing is scheduled on Friday Sept 30 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary, 328 6th Ave, Huntington WV 25701. The funeral is at 11 am on Saturday, Oct 1 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 701 5th Avenue, Huntington WV, with Rev. Timothy S. Dixon, Sr. Pastor officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Janet’s life. The family suggests that memorials in Janet’s name be made to First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Huntington Symphony Orchestra, and the Huntington Museum of Art. The family would particularly like to thank Treva Sullivan and her fellow companions who cared for and supported Janet during the final years of her life.