Janet Lamborghini Obituary

Janet Edith Lamborghini died peacefully at her home in Del Mar, CA, on Sunday, May 5, 2013. She was 73.
Born May 9, 1939, in Plymouth, MA, the fourth child of Gladys E. and Joseph S. Lamborghini, she attended the public schools in Plymouth before matriculating at Bryn Mawr College from which she graduated with a B.A. in biology in 1962. She worked for Professor J. David Robertson at Harvard before going on to graduate school at Tufts University from which she received her Ph.D. in biology.
In 1967 she married Nicholas C. Spitzer, then a graduate student at Harvard. They went to London, England, for postdoctoral work before moving to San Diego in 1972. Her husband took up a position as a junior faculty member in the Department of Biology at UC San Diego and Janet carried out research as a postdoctoral fellow in his lab. Over the next 15 years she published a series of influential scientific papers analyzing aspects of neuronal differentiation.
Their son, Julian Elliott, was born May 29, 1980, (deceased January 25, 2012) and their daughter, Hilary St. John, was born November 23, 1984. Janet became intensively involved in the education of her children and wound up running for election to the School Board of the Del Mar Union School District. She was to be a member of the Board for 16 years (1992-2008); served as President several times and as Clerk and on many committees; and she oversaw the construction of five new schools. She was instrumental in the hiring of two superintendents, was a vigorous advocate for all students, and worked hard to maintain excellence in education during a challenging period of rapid growth. She served as a member of the original strategic planning team that created a direction for the future of DMUSD. She taught mathematics to fifth and sixth graders and was much beloved by teachers, students and parents. She served as PTA president, geography Olympiad and math coach and Dollars for Scholars treasurer at Torrey Pines High School and was recognized for her public service with the naming of Janet Lamborghini Day on November 21, 2008. She was divorced in 2004 and enjoyed traveling in her later years.
Janet had a love of music, nature and all wildlife and a physical fearlessness that she imparted to her children. She had a gift for enthusiasm, an impish wit, a passion for books and poetry, and an industrious energy that always embraced learning for her as well as for others. She was a first-class volunteer and a hands-on philanthropist, donating largely to Dollars for Scholars as well as the ARCS Foundation Inc. and the San Diego Opera.
She is survived by Hilary St. John Spitzer and Nicholas C. Spitzer of San Diego and Del Mar; brothers, Joseph Lamborghini of Durham, NH, and James Lamborghini of Melbourne, FL; also by 10 nieces and nephews; 21 great-nieces and nephews; and two great-great-nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service for her at noon on June 29, 2013, at El Camino Memorial Park - Sorrento Valley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any of the institutions listed above.

Published by La Jolla Light from May 16 to Jun. 13, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Lamborghini

Not sure what to say?





A leader and staunch supporter of education and enhancing programs to benefit the children of our community.

Janet Rosenfield

Friend

May 4, 2019

I knew Janet since 7th grade in Plymouth, MA. We were close friends in high school and roommates in Cambridge, MA after college. She was a superstar, won first prize in New England Science Fair three years in a row and was always a high achiever whether academically or with volunteer work, especially with the Dal Mar school board. She was a great wit, great thinker, reader, a Renaissance woman (?) a lover of nature, her family, and the world. And on top of it was as humble as they get. I'll always miss you and love you, Janet.
Ann Pandy Savery Friend

July 4, 2014

Those of us here in Del Mar who knew her, know that Janet's imprint on the world was gentle, but firm. Future generations of children here will benefit from her uncompromising insistence on the best. They will benefit without knowing a thing about her, which is how she would have preferred it.
Her standards were the very highest, and she did not suffer fools gladly, but it is notable that she had the ability to bring out the best in people, even in those with whom she disagreed.
We will miss you, old friend. Thank you for everything.

Mary & Bill Farrell

July 16, 2013

Dear sweet Janet, My friend and my sister your flame will forever burn inside me and in the lives of ALL you touched. We love and miss you so much.

MARY KRAUSE

July 16, 2013

Janet was the finest, most gentle, hilarious, intelligent woman I have yet to meet in all my years. She graced me with 30 years of friendship and a bond of being each others sisters. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her, miss her terribly and talk of her and her many fine gifts she gave to this world. Janet knew how to embrace and live life to the fullest. I miss you girl! You will always be in my heart, mind and soul. You made me a better woman and for this and so much more I am thankful!

MARY KRAUSE

July 15, 2013

Janet was an incredible friend and was a wonderfully gentle soul. She was loved by everyone lucky enough to know her. She touched many hearts and mine will miss her every day.

Barbara Myers

July 15, 2013

On July 13th Janet and her son, Julian Spitzer, were laid to rest in the family plot in St. Joseph Cemetery in Plymouth, MA.

Ann Lamborghini Lane

July 14, 2013

Janet was a authentic advocate of Del Mar Union's students. She initiated many successful programs and plans for the district. She was a genuine friend to many students and parents. She will be missed.

Janet Rosenfield

June 2, 2013

It's been many years since I saw Janet. She was a lovely woman, who had a great warmth and lovely spirit. I am sure she will be missed by all who knew her.

Judy Firtel

May 19, 2013

Janet was a lovely and important part of both of our children's lives, and a lovely friend to us during those years when our kids were young. I was glad to have reconnected with her recently--ill as she was, she was still brilliant, vivacious, optimistic, devoted to others, and a great conversationalist with a wonderfully hearty laugh. We will miss her and her lovely spirit. With sympathy and love to Hilary all the family, Patrice, Steve, Mike and Eva Cassedy

Patrice Cassedy

May 17, 2013

Janet and I were best friends since first grade. She was a wonderful friend and a wonderful person.
Carole Greaves Curtin

May 15, 2013

Knowing Lisa and how close to her Aunt she was. She seems to be a very special one.

Lisa Moen

May 15, 2013

Although we didn't know Janet, from reading her obituary, she was a very successful, caring, & loving woman who accomplished much in her life. We do know her niece Lisa, and send prayers to Lisa and her family.
Freddy & Cheryl Vaz

Cheryl & Freddy Vaz

May 15, 2013

I met Janet when she joined The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
She was an amazing woman--always positive with wonderful ideas to share.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Kathy OLeary

May 12, 2013

Janet and I were classmates and graduated at Plymouth High School. My deepest sympathy to her family. Priscilla (Souza) Reidy

Priscilla Reidy

May 11, 2013

It has been years since I last saw Janet, but she was the kind of person one does not forget.

Margo Ruffini Delaughter

May 11, 2013

A bright star is gone. Janet was one of the finest and most intelligent people I ever met. She lived a rich life and gave so much to so many.

Ann Pandy Savery Friend

May 11, 2013

So sorry to hear of Janet's passing. She and I were good friends during high school and I was fortunate to reunite with her at our 50th. She was a real participant in life!!

Janet Balboni Marsh

May 11, 2013

Janet and I attended and graduated from Plymouth High School together. Please except my sincere condolences for your loss.

Sharon de Lancey-Kolinie

May 10, 2013

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Janet Lamborghini's name

Memorial Events
for Janet Lamborghini

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Janet's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Janet Lamborghini's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more