Memorial services are set to begin on Friday for well-known Rumsonite, real estate agent and avid volunteer Janet “Jan” Esposito Kaiser, who passed away on Oct. 10.

Known for her dedication to her career and volunteer efforts, Jan’s love for family and friends trumped work. Her “greatest affection was for her family and friends,” her obituary, written by family, from Thompson Memorial Home said. “Quality time with her son always gave her the most joy and she was a tremendously proud parent. Jan was never one to forget a family or friend’s birthday, special occasion, or holiday and was known for her thoughtful and sometimes humorous gifts.

“She was also known for her practical jokes whether they were on family and friends, co-workers, or complete strangers. Everyone who met her, loved her dearly and felt dearly loved by her and she will truly be missed.”

Born in Jersey City, Jan grew up in Rumson, lived in the Lincroft section of Middletown for a stint and then came back to Rumson, where she lived with her husband, Herbert E. Kaiser, and son Ted.

After attending Rumson schools, Jan went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in art history at Old Dominion University. She was an art teacher in the Middletown School District before moving on to a long, established career in real estate with Heritage House Southeby’s International Realty, Gloria Nilson Realtors, Weichert Real Estate, among others. In the industry, Jan served in many national organizations and on several boards.

“Jan’s words of kindness and encouragement to new (real estate) agents and her tremendous wit and tireless humor will be missed by her fellow Rumson office peers,” her obituary said. “She will be dearly missed by all her peers, her clients, and by the industry.”

Jan was an avid community volunteer who donated her time and services to the Junior League of Monmouth County as well as several other local fundraising committees, including The American Cancer Ball Committee of Monmouth County. She was a dog lover, especially fond of golden retrievers, who actively supported the Monmouth County SPCA.

Jan is survived by: her husband of 37 years, Herbert; her son Ted; her sisters, Barbara Lukas, of Morganville, and Elaine Scully, of Skillman; her husband’s brothers and their wives, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Joseph and Gladys Esposito.

A memorial to celebrate Jan will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank.

A mass of christian burial is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Holy Cross Church, Rumson, followed by internment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 100 Chapel Hill Rd., Middletown

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people make memorial contributions in Jan’s name to The American Cancer Society or the Monmouth County SPCA.

— Edited obituary from Thompson Memorial Home