Janet-Horst-Obituary

Janet Martha Horst

Obituary

HORST, Janet Martha, 57, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on July 25, 2009 after a difficult and brave battle with cancer. Janet will be remembered as a beautiful, kind, and loving woman who kept her family and friends at the center of her life. She was the nucleus of her family, devoting a lifetime to raising her children and loving her husband. Janet was a best friend and confidante to many. The positive way in which she lived her life and fought her battle was an inspiration to all those who were lucky enough to call her family or friend. Janet was born in Kingston, N.Y., and raised in Ossining, N.Y. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from American University and worked in that field for over 20 years culminating with the startup of her own company, Impact Exhibit Production. Later in life, she returned to school and earned a Master's Degree of Fine Arts in Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. The academic setting and her students became her next love and she went on to teach in the Communication Arts and Design department at VCU for five years. Her professional accomplishments also include course design and a published work in the area of typography. She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, David Edwin Horst; her children, Melanie Courtney Hartman, Sarah Elizabeth Chittum and Shawn David Horst; her mother, Elizabeth Masterman Rietschel of Southern Pines, N.C.; and her siblings, Carl Rietschel of Trinity, N.C., and John Rietschel of West River, Md. Janet was preceded in death by her father, Carl Henry Rietschel. A celebration of Janet's life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, at the family's home at 2715 E. Grace Street, Richmond, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation online at Livestrong.org.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Guest Book

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Dear David, Aunt Ethel & Family-
We are so, so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. David, your wife sounds like a wonderful woman who put both family and family of the heart first. It seems that she has touched more lives than we may ever know. We send love, light and healing to you, your family and your family of heart.
Blessings,
Jan Dreshman & Robin Connors
Smudge and Sparky

Horst Family -

I just learned about Janet today - please know that I am thinking about all of you. Continue to lean on eachother and each day will get better.

Warmly -

David and kids,

You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

David & Family,

We just learned of your loss today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have such fond memories of Janet and your family when we were neighbors on Old Church.

Kathy & Charles Wingfield

Sarah, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

David, we are thinking of you and your family at this time. You've been traveling a difficult road and now you face this transition. You are never alone, and we wish you strength and peace.

Mr Horst, our thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family. I will never forget the good times we shared back in VA swimming and skiing up at the lake cabin.

To David and the children, know that Janet loved you with every ounce of her being. That she touched the hearts and minds of all that she met. Her life and talent was a blessing. She will always be remembered for graciousness, kindness and most of all her humbleness. Her life was a model that many wish too achieve. I will forever remember her smile, and her friendship. Thank you Janet for being a part of my life, you are missed.

Dr. Horst, Melanie, Sarah, Shawn;
You are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Janet was always sweet and gracious to me. Please accept my deepest sympathies.