Quiet and unassuming, Janet Halsey would have preferred to close out her 47-year career working for Kane County in a less formal way.
However, the colleagues who came to know her over the years weren’t going to let that happen. They gathered Thursday afternoon in the Kane County Judicial Center cafeteria for cake, cookies and even a few words — literally — from Halsey.
“I’ve enjoyed working with everyone,” she said when called upon by her last boss, State’s Attorney Joe McMahon, to address the gathering.
Halsey, born and raised in the St. Charles area, has given nearly five decades to Kane County in jobs at the circuit clerk’s and the state’s attorney’s offices. She served as a courtroom clerk for several judges and, since 1985, worked for eight different state’s attorneys, including McMahon.
Halsey described herself as a behind-the-scenes person who stayed “under the wire” and learned a lot in 40-plus years in various positions within both offices. Most recently, she played a support role that included handling asset forfeiture paperwork in the Narcotics Prosecution Bureau headed by Assistant State’s Attorney Kelly Orland.
“She’s unflappable. She was always dependable. She was every bit a part of the prosecution team,” Orland said, describing Halsey as a “kind and caring” person.
McMahon “couldn’t say enough” good things about Halsey and her lasting impression on the office he took over in 2010.
“She’s been a friend to so many people who work in this office,” McMahon said. “I’m very grateful for you.”
Halsey’s co-workers came bearing presents that included a craft store gift card — she enjoys making greeting cards — and a vase. McMahon also presented Halsey with a wooden baseball bat signed by members of the state’s attorney’s office. McMahon and Orland said the bat has been a traditional send-off item given to attorneys upon retirement or departure for a new job. Halsey became the first non-lawyer to be awarded a bat, which featured signatures in black marker.
After nearly five decades, Halsey acknowledged with a smile that she’s earned the chance to relax. She plans to travel and spend time with family, but knows she’ll miss the people around the office that have been such a big part of her life for so long.
Asked to sum up her career and what she walks away with, Halsey paused before offering a simple thought: “I would say a lifetime of friendships.”
Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.