Janet Sitler

Janet Sitler

Resident of San Jose

With great sadness the family of Janet Sitler announce her passing on the morning of Dec. 3, 2010. She was surrounded by her close family. Cause of death was congestive heart failure and pneumonia. She was 84.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jim, her son Scott and his wife, Sue, her identical twin sister, Joann Lipscomb from Connecticut, grandsons Jimmy and Travis, and great grandson , Cameron. She was known to Jimmy, Travis, and Cameron as "Mommy Mom".

Though a birth mother of just one, Janet was a loving mother to daughter-in-law Sue and Sue's two sisters, Jo Ann Robinson and Kathy Blackwell.

Janet and Joann both attended Bowling Green State University of Ohio where they were affiliated with Alpha Phi Sorority.

Though born in Mansfield, Ohio Janet was a resident of California since 1958 and lived in the same home in San Jose since 1959. She was always out and about and was well known throughout the neighborhood, her kind and cheerful demeanor making her everyone's friend.

As an accountant, Janet blazed a trail for women in the workplace and had a long career for the City of San Jose. She retired in 1991 but remained in contact with many of her friends and colleagues from the city. After retirement she was a part-time volunteer at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos where she and Jim were members.

A wonderful cook, she generously shared her love of deliciously prepared meals with her family and friends. Perfect pitch fully developed her immense talent on the piano. She was able to play any song, anytime, "by ear". She played the piano for her family one last time just nine days prior to her passing.

She also loved playing bridge and played with several groups. The Sitler family grieves for Janet's dearest friend and bridge partner of 40 years, Bertie Johnson.

Over the course of their marriage, Janet and Jim had the joy of seven loving dogs. They just lost Cody in August after 15 years.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec 9th, at 1PM at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, Ca. 16575 Shannon Rd., Los Gatos 95032.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind, San Rafael. Ca. 94915, or the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos. Special thanks goes to Hospice of the Valley, San Jose.