Balch, Janet P.

Janet was the epitome of professionalism and unswerving high standards. I worked with (for) Janet on the transition of the International Lawyer to SMU. Her assistance and guidance were invaluable.

I met Janet when she was working at SMU. A delightful woman with a delightful British accent, we were both volunteers for many years at the Dallas Museum of Art. She and Frank hosted marvelous Boxing Day Parties…now a treasured memory. After she retired several of her museum friends got together for lunch several times a year.
Sadly, we lost touch when her memory problems became severe. Though we inquired, we were never told how to get in touch with her after that.
I treasure having known Janet and am glad she is now at peace.

I met Janet at the Fall Dance Concert. She attended regularly. She enjoyed seeing young dancers develop their own voice in movement. I looked forward to our discussions. I learned of her interest in native plants and her volunteer work at the Arboretum. She was lovely.

I met Janet, and her husband, Frank, while I was attending SMU Law School in the early 1990s. I first met Frank in the hall, and found him charming, and with a great wit. When I joined The International Lawyer law review, the 3L students told us not to miss a deadline, because you don’t want to have to answer to Janet! Well, the next year I did answer to Janet, as her Managing Editor. I learned exactly what she wanted, and when she wanted it. After SMU, my wife and I were periodic visitors with the Balches, and loved all of their stories, and shared in their laughs. These two professionals from SMU have finished their work on earth, and we all benefited from their knowledge, care, and dedication. I will try to reflect the values I found in Janet and Frank Balch.

I met Janet in law school at SMU during my tenure on The International Lawyer. She was terrifically helpful to me and I enjoyed her company so much. After law school, Janet and I kept in touch and I treasured her friendship. When I married Chris, Janet became our friend, not just my friend. We would meet at La Madeline for lunch and share our travel adventures and enjoy our time together. Janet was a great wit and a kind and caring person that I was blessed to call my friend. Our world is dimmer without her in it.

Janet was an amazing professional and mentor to many students (and faculty) at SMU, where all who knew her remember her with great fondness.

I had the honor of working closely with Janet as editor-in-chief of Southwestern Law Journal in 1985-86. She was the point of continuity at the law review as student editorial boards changed every year. Janet was patient and kind with the students and expert in her advice. We had the privilege of dedicating our final issue in 1986 in honor of her 20th anniversary at SMU. May God hold and keep her forever.