


Janice McCauley
Class of 1975
Crafting Her Own Path With Respect for the Past.
"I love to repurpose and
rejuvenate vintage finds."
F-A.COM: You attended Temple's Horticultural School, what was your career focus during this post-high school experience?
JANICE: I worked for my next-door neighbor in their flower shop during high school and college. I learned floristry & got experience in their retail store. After I graduated from Temple, I worked for a few different companies over 15 years that installed plants in restaurants, offices, & malls. I was a “plant lady”…. I maintained those plants on a weekly basis. I traveled to Philadelphia and suburbs, New Jersey and New York City. It was fun & interesting.
F-A.COM: How did Frankford prepare you for adulthood?
JANICE: I learned how to be a responsible person by being a member of our Flag Corps for two years, and by working on the yearbook staff in 12th grade.
F-A.COM: Who or what inspired you the most at Frankford and why? What was your favorite extra-curricular activity? Why was it your favorite?
JANICE: We had many great teachers over the years. Several of my favorites were Mr. Donohoe, Mr. Gutelius and Ms. DePrisco. They made learning fun! My favorite extra-curricular activity was the Flag Corps. I was very proud to be a member. We were a tight group and some of those friendships still exist today.
F-A.COM: I've seen your beautiful Christmas decorations over the years. How has Christmas fueled your creativity?
JANICE: It’s such a happy time! At Feeneys, we start decorating the store during the summer. It’s so cool to be a part of making such a beautiful display. I try to uphold that with my booths and in my home.
F-A.COM: Tell us about your craft career.
JANICE: I’ve always loved making things. My grandmother taught me embroidery and crocheting. I loved sewing class at Edmunds and made many of my clothes back then. Working in a flower shop and garden center taught me many ways to create many seasonal items.
F-A.COM: Where has your life taken you today? What are your hobbies/interests?
JANICE: I work fulltime for USPS for almost 23 years. My hobbies and interests include antiquing, crafts, gardening, reading and spending time with my pets. I’ve worked a part time job at for 22 years, where I learned about displaying and merchandising. This has helped me tremendously with my small business at . I rent space to sell vintage finds & my craft projects.
F-A.COM: What family traditions have you kept to this day?
JANICE: Since losing my parents, many traditions have fallen by the wayside, especially during the pandemic. My siblings and I try to get together for holidays. I started having an annual craft sale with my siblings at my house every fall, after my parents were gone. It started as a way we could spend a weekend together. It’s great to have this time with them and to see their creativity.
F-A.COM: What was the best advice your parents gave you?
JANICE: Be honest, be responsible, stand up for yourself, share kindness, laugh, and have a great work ethic. It wasn’t so much said, as they led us by example.
F-A.COM: If you could time-travel to 1975, what would you tell your 17-year-old self?
JANICE: Don’t be so hard on yourself, take a chance, and be proud of what you accomplish. Don’t stress about every little thing.
F-A.COM: What advice would you give today’s students? What’s your favorite quote?
JANICE: Be responsible, honest, trustworthy, kind and respectful. Have a good work ethic. If you don’t attend college—learn a trade. Start saving for retirement as soon as you can. It’ll be here before you know it!