In Memory of Janine Takahashi
Janine Takahashi
Spouse: Kei Takahashi
Children: Dylan
Birthdate: October 31, 1959
Blessing: January 12, 1989
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 25, 2024
Janine Kathleen Takahashi (née Godsell), embarked on a remarkable journey through life, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on October 31, 1959, in Melbourne Australia to Verna Florence Godsell and Michael Peter Godsell, she was one of four children— Lawrence Godsell, Maree Oddy, and Kenneth Godsell.
From the very beginning, it was evident that Janine had a destiny. The early years of her life were characterized by spending time with her many friends and going to local football matches with her father to watch their team play. After the matches—win, lose, or draw—they would go to the local pub for lemonade and chips. She navigated the challenge of losing her mother at the young age of 13 with resilience, leaning on her older sister for support.
Janine, a spirited soul, preferred the company of friends on weekends rather than staying alone. Embracing the fashion of her era with flared denim jeans, velvet, floral dresses, and recycled tire “Tread Platform shoes,” she exuded a unique style. Working part-time at a local Hardware Store, she diligently saved to make a move to St Kilda, a trendy suburb of Melbourne. To fund her adventurous spirit, she took on extra shifts at a Melbourne pub, amassing enough to embark on overseas travels with her friend, Georgia.
Janine ventured beyond Melbourne and backpacked all over Europe with Georgia, working different jobs, including at a Kibbutz in Israel. Garmisch in Germany, Egypt, and Greece were a few of her favorite places. She embraced the diversity of life, learning and growing with each new adventure.
In October 1981, Janine joined the Unification Church in San Francisco, CA. Some months later, she traveled across the US just after God’s Day 1982 with her spiritual father, Stephen Roomet, and several other team members. Over the course of the following years, Janine embarked upon a course of spiritual growth that deepened her life of faith and her commitment to make the world a better place. Her path was one of constant learning and of personal inner growth right up until her passing. She continuously studied health and wellness and honed her innate spiritual gifts for the sake of helping others along their life paths.
From around 1987 to the early 1990s, Janine played a pivotal role with the witnessing team at 43rd St HQ as a team mother and nurturing figure. As part of this program—which arose from the closure of MFT and aimed to provide opportunities for spiritual growth to members who hadn’t yet experienced witnessing—Janine’s outspoken nature and compassionate spirit made her a cornerstone of the team. Known for sharing her heart and opinions freely, she dedicated her energy wholeheartedly to the care and support of others.
During this time, an evangelical team under Dr. Tyler Hendricks went on a three-month campaign going state to state to cities west of the Mississippi witnessing to college students. Janine bonded with her team over a shared love of coffee, and when they returned to New York, she, along with a few others, opened up the coffee shop, Crossings, at the 43rd Street headquarters. Janine’s unwavering commitment to nurturing spiritual growth left an enduring impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her during this time. It was in this phase of her life that she and Kei Takahashi were Blessed on January 12, 1989 as part of the 1,275 couple Blessing Ceremony held in Seoul, Korea.
However, it was in her subsequent role as the Executive/Personal Assistant to Hyo Jin Moon that Janine truly found her stride, dedicating an impressive 14 years to supporting him until his passing in March of 2008. Janine’s professional life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her mission.
Janine first came to Manhattan Center Studios (MC) in 1994 when she was hired as an assistant to the then executive management of the company. She had been prompted to work at MC by her own continuing sense of mission and having heard Hyo Jin Nim speak of his vision in public speeches. At MC, Janine had the opportunity to at first engage Hyo Jin Nim in the same way she did other company leaders. Her relationship with him quickly deepened. Becoming ever more familiar with the challenges he was then going through, she sought to be a consistent friend and an effective confidant, and Janine’s resolve and commitment were only strengthened. In time, her role as his Executive/Personal Assistant was confirmed and endured until his passing in March 2008.
Janine attended Hyo Jin Nim’s Holy Wedding to Yeon Ah Nim on February 5, 1999. She became intimately involved as their family began to grow being present at the birth of each of their five children: Shin Chul, Shin Heung, Shin Yuh, Shin Soon, and Shin Jin. Janine’s relationship with each member of Hyo Jin Nim’s family continued up until her recent passing and will continue far beyond.
In 2007, Janine Takahashi brought Hyo Jin Nim and his family to Gloucester for a memorable vacation. Preferring the tranquility of nature, Janine envisioned a retreat filled with family togetherness and scenic beauty. Janine reconnected effortlessly with friends from her own prior experience through Ocean Challenge two decades prior, and her warmth and genuine affection for the children shone through as she introduced them to her favorite spots like Good Harbor and Half Moon Beach.
With her Australian roots grounding her love for the beach, Janine infused every summer in Gloucester with a sense of joy, relaxation, and excitement. From those initial years spent with family to later summers shared with friends and her beloved son, Dylan, Janine became an integral part of the Gloucester community. Her gatherings, whether around food or a campfire, were marked by a spirit of inclusivity and celebration of life’s simple pleasures. Janine’s multifaceted nature was evident in her sensitivity towards others, always mindful not to burden or overstay her welcome. Yet, her presence was eagerly anticipated each summer, symbolizing a sense of belonging for Janine, Dylan, Masaya, Kana, and all who knew them in Gloucester.
Janine was intrinsically involved in all aspects of MC’s business. She represented Hyo Jin Nim in all elements of MC’s growth including the upgrade/renovation of the Log Cabin recording studio; the upgrade of Studio 9’s editing facilities; significant long-term and successive television deals with Cablevision’s Metro Channel, Atlantic Video, ESPN and other significant projects. In her distinct role at MC, Janine was as comfortable with prominent performing and recording artists as she was with each employee at MC no matter their position or title.
As Hyo Jin Nim expanded his vision for MC to Korea (MCK), Japan (MCJ) and his initial efforts with MC-China, Janine was with him. She toured with him when he and his band performed internationally and inevitably she became much beloved by the members of the HJ Moon band. Throughout the demanding song conditions that Hyo Jin Nim had set for himself, and which he completed, Janine was a constant supporter and companion when she’d visit his Belvedere Studio.
Following Hyo Jin Nim’s passing in March 2008, Janine’s work at MC came to a close as new incoming leadership took over. She shifted into a new phase of her life operating from her home that she shared with the Tateishi family, Masaya and his daughter, Kana, across the Hudson in New City, NY. From there, she continued her active attendance of Hyo Jin Nim’s family and maintained relationships with those among his tribe to such a degree, that over time, her home became colloquially known as “HJN HQ.” Those she met in her expanding and concentric social circles came under her love and care. She entertained friends and family, visitors and guests, in her own inimitable way. But her primary focus in this latter phase of her life was to nurture and raise her son, Dylan, who came into her life in a distinct and blessed manner. To meet and speak with Dylan, now 12 years old, is a testament to her greatest life work.
Janine embraced the profound journey of motherhood, transforming her world with boundless love and selflessness. Welcoming Dylan into her life on July 14, 2011, Janine found immeasurable joy in the tender moments that defined parenthood. Navigating the intricacies of raising a family, Janine approached every challenge with grace and determination. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the home, influencing the lives of those fortunate enough to witness the beautiful tapestry of maternal devotion she wove. Through the laughter, tears, and countless shared milestones, Janine’s legacy as a loving mother will forever echo in the hearts of her son and all who were touched by her boundless love and warmth.
In the final chapter of Janine’s extraordinary journey, she faced a brief yet intense battle with endometrial cancer, demonstrating unparalleled strength and resilience. Throughout this challenging period, Janine exemplified grace and courage, inspiring all who witnessed her unwavering spirit. Surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, she navigated the complexities of medical treatments with determination, displaying a remarkable sense of optimism even in the face of adversity. In this trying time, Janine continued to find joy in cherished moments, creating lasting memories that served as a testament to her unyielding spirit.
Janine’s life was a beacon of love, kindness, and care. She touched the lives of countless individuals, spanning multiple generations, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom (311 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001)
To honor and celebrate the life of Janine Takahashi we invite those unable to attend this event in person at Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom to join via the link below.
The link to the live video streaming page is: https://vimeo.com/event/4108342/b784831355
