Janet Eileen Lane

Dr. Janet Eileen Lane, 73, of Washington, passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2021. She was born in Brownsville on April 22, 1948, the daughter of the late Ann Pore and Jack Lane. Janet graduated from Brownsville High School in 1966, and then attended California State College where she received a degree in English Education. She continued her studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned a masters and doctorate in English. Janet’s love for English and teaching led her to a career in teaching. She taught English at Beth Center High School for 20 years before accepting a position as Adjunct English Professor at California University of Pennsylvania. She later became a Professor of English at Wheeling Jesuit University, where she taught until her retirement in 2017. Janet was a published author and several of her articles appeared in journals and local newspapers, including the Observer Reporter. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Canonsburg, and was previously a member of Trinity Anglican Church in Washington. Janet gave much of her personal time and energy to several area nonprofits. Among the organizations in which she was active, Janet was an enthusiastic supporter of the Washington County Historical Society. During her service on the Historical Society’s Board of Directors in two periods for a combined 13 years, Janet served as Secretary, Vice-President, and President, and helped lay much of the groundwork for the Historical Society’s upcoming Research & Education Center. After her service on the Board concluded at the end of 2019, she continued to support the Historical Society, not only as a donor and sponsor, but also as an essential volunteer. Above all her many passions, however, Janet was an animal lover and devoted much of her life to animal rescue efforts. She volunteered at several animal rescue organizations and worked tirelessly to find homes for abused and needy animals. She had a special place in her heart for cats and personally fostered many cats over the years. But Janet was more than just a teacher, a professor, and a leader by example in her community. The beautiful flame of her life brought warmth and comfort to those around her, and she touched many lives. For those that were lucky enough to know Janet and be part of her life, she will be greatly missed. Janet is survived by a brother, Jack David Lane of California; his children Colleen Lane and Bryan Lane; Aunts Irene M. Durda and Betty J. Labin; and cousins Kate Durda, Lori Wizdo, Judi Durda, Tracy Labin, Scot Labin, Frances Marie Matty, John Tchinski, and Michael Tchinski. Also grieving Janet’s loss is her longtime friend Kathy Dzikowski. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 10:00am, at Trinity Anglican Church, 550 S. Main Street, Washington, PA 15301, with Rev. Karen Stevenson officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Historical Society of Washington, Pa., Trinity Anglican Church of Washington, Pa., or St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Canonsburg, Pa.