Janet E. Gerwer passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on February 26, 2021. She was born on September 13, 1947, in New Jersey to John Edward and Grace Mooney.
She met the love of her life in 1968, Bob Gerwer, at Alma White College. Bob and Janet were married on June 13, 1970. Janet began teaching at St. Francis Cathedral School in Metuchen, New Jersey, and continued to teach there until the birth of their first child, Amy. Robert, Jr. (Robbie) was born shortly after in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Bob worked for Texas Instruments, and in that time, they moved six times in nine years, finally settling in Plano, Texas, in 1983. Janet started subbing at St. Mark Catholic School in Plano and, not long after, became a full-time teacher of 6-8th grade math and occasionally religion. She loved teaching math, and in her own words, her goal was "to instill in my students a love for the mystery of mathematics … and for them to be successful problem solvers." Janet instructed thousands of students in math and religion, and other life skills, such as work ethic, discipline, faith, and sarcasm. Her students will remember Janet for her mad minutes, masterful no-nonsense teaching style, singing voice, and dry wit. Students left Janet's classroom with a strong foundation in math, and many were inspired to continue in STEM fields because of the strong start in math she gave them. Janet won many awards in her tenure at St. Mark, but nothing made her more proud than hearing about the success of a former student. After 31 years at St. Mark, Janet retired in 2016.
Janet passed on her sense of humor and her incredible work ethic to her children. She taught them that a job well done was its own reward.
Friends of Amy's and Robbie's were always welcome at the table. No one ever left her house hungry or thirsty; they usually left with another meal to take home.
Janet defeated breast cancer in 2009 and spent the last eleven years supporting others she knew who were fighting the disease.
She loved to spend time with her grandchildren (Robbie's children, the quadruplets) and was known to them as Grammy. She passed on her knowledge of her favorite hobby of gardening. Grammy enjoyed spending time weeding and picking her harvest with them and had started a small garden at their house. Always a teacher, Grammy helped her grandchildren with their homework every day after school. She also helped organize their Religious Education, even finding service projects to help the quads learn to help others. After her grandchildren finished their homework, it was time to get outside and play. Grammy and the quads played four-square, took walks, swam in the pool, and rode their bikes. She was very proud of all of their academic progress and loved watching them grow up.
Janet also loved to travel, laugh, and spend time with her family and her brand, new puppy, Lucy.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bob of Parker, Texas; children, Amy of Nashville, Tennessee and Robbie (girlfriend Amanda) of Lucas, Texas; grandchildren, Trey, Reid, Cameron and Brady and Grammy's special boys, Wyatt and Jameson. Janet will be greatly missed and loved by her family, friends and former students.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, March 19, 2021, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1201 Alma Drive, Plano, Texas 75075. Please wear a mask. There will be a reception following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Janet’s name, to tuition assistance at St. Mark, Bishop Lynch High School (Dallas, Texas), Father Ryan High School (Nashville, Tennessee) or your favorite charity.
Condolences can be sent to St. Mark Catholic School (1201 Alma Drive Plano, Texas 75075). Or you may sign the guestbook above.