Janet Switzer Obituary

June 17, 1932 - November 1, 2014 Dr. Janet Switzer died peacefully at her home in Palos Verdes on November 1. She will be missed by loving family, colleagues, friends, and by the thousands of children and families she touched with her life's work as a clinical psychologist and the founder of the Switzer Center in Torrance, California. Jan was born during the depression in Dodge City, Kansas. This mid-western girl found her way to Antioch College, and went on to earn her doctorate at Clark University in 1955. Always a bit of a renegade, she was fiercely committed to ideals of justice and fairness, and never hesitated to express her opinions. After working at the prestigious Judge Baker Guidance Clinic in Boston, she taught at the University of Hawaii and at UCLA. A stint at Reiss Davis Child Study Center helped clarify the ways in which Dr. Switzer's thinking diverged from prevailing psychoanalytic theories as the best way to treat children. As Director of Training at the Marianne Frostig Center, she found a more compatible framework, yet sought the challenge of opening a center based on her own ideas and methods. Thus, with Judith Borck, she started the South Bay Center for Educational Therapy in Hermosa Beach in 1966. Her ideas continue to be put into action today, at the Switzer Learning Center in Torrance, now entering its 50th year of improving the lives of children who are striving to compensate for their weaknesses by building on their strengths and gaining competence. Over the course of her career, Jan Switzer's influence on the fields of special education and child psychology reached far beyond the Switzer Center. She served as president of the California Association of Private Special Education Schools, and as Legislative Chair, helped pioneer funding opportunities for children with special needs on a statewide level. She was one of the Founders of the Association of Educational Therapists a national organization and developed a nationally normed achievement test. Countless people who worked and trained at the Center have carried what they learned there into other endeavors. Beyond her many achievements, Jan Switzer lived a life rich with love, laughter, friendship, and adventure. Above all else, Jan cherished her life as a professional and - world travel, home, dogs, art, music, the garden, long friendships, and the much loved nieces and nephews whom Jan adored. At the end of her time, in spite of poor health, Jan never lost her sense of humor or her positive attitude. We should all hope to be able to say what Jan told her sister just weeks ago: "I'd say, I had a good life." She is survived by her partner, Judith Borck; her sister Ruth Pearl of Bethesda Maryland; and her nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on December 7th at 1:30 pm. For additional information and to RSVP please contact Robin Overstreet at the Switzer Learning Center at 310 328-3611 x333. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Switzer Learning Center Scholarship Fund 2201 Amapola Court, Torrance, Ca. 90501.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Switzer

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Im sad to hear of Janet's passing. Though I didnt know her personally, she helped me as a student at Switzer Center, which enabled me to excell in reading as well as many other subjects. She touched MANY lives and made us better, more confident, human beings through her Center. My prayers go out to her Partner, as well family and friends during this time of loss.

Raquel Real

November 22, 2014

My thoughts go out to Judith and the Switzer family. I was a teacher at Switzer Center from '86 to '90. This was my first job as a special education teacher. I learned so much from Janet. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work at her center. She will be missed.

Margery Dickens

November 19, 2014

It saddens me to have read of Janet's passing. I met her and Judy in July 1969. I was just out of the Army and became their "mailman", little did I realize that for the next 32 years I would be delivering mail to their home. Over those 32 years we had many conversations from children to animals and everything else in between. On my 30th anniversary on the route, she and Judy threw a block party to honor, Ron the Mailman, what a surprise! Her kindness to me will always be remembered. One memory in particular, Janet and Judy lived on a cul-de-sac, in Nov. of '97 my Mom passed away and I was at parked at the end of the cul-de-sac and feeling sad about my families loss. I was sitting in my mail truck drying up the tears and low and behold who is standing there, Janet. She said "tell my about your Mom", I did, and the tears flowed even more. She listened and hugged me with this advise, "you ever need to talk, you know where my front door is". I have been retired since November 2001 and she was one of the first to call me and congratulate me on retiring. I would run into her from time to time after I retired and it was like no time had passed at all. Janet and Judy will always be at the top of my memories in my Post Office career. Not a customer/patron relationship, but true friendship. This can only be signed one way. Love, Ron (The Mailman)

Ron and Peggy Updike

November 19, 2014

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Janet Switzer's name

Memorial Events
for Janet Switzer

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 Switzer'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