Janet C. Brodt

Janet (Speer) Brodt died peacefully on May 9, 2023, at her assisted living facility in Downingtown, Pa., where she lived for the last 18 months.

There were many facets of Janet’s life. Anyone reading this may remember her fondly from one or more of the nine decades of her time here with us.

Janet, the young girl – She grew up in Flicksville, Pa., and moved to a farm in Ackermanville, Pa., where she lived most of her life. Daughter of Carl and Martha Speer, she became part of the Speers Meat Market legacy and kept close guard on the secret family recipe for ring bologna. 

Janet, the farmer’s wife – Married to Leon Brodt for 65 years. While life on the farm was not easy, there was nothing she would not try. From driving tractors, helping to deliver calves, bailing hay, and tending to the garden, she worked from sun up to sun down.

Janet, the mother – Always had “supper” on the table for her four children (Rodney Brodt, Brenda Brodt Alek, Lynn Brodt Hurd, and Lori Brodt Woolverton). She raised her kids with strong values and work ethic. She found ways to make ends meet and allowed many stray animals to be taken in as pets. She saw to it that each of her children had access to a college education and that they attended church at Flicksville UCC where she was a member. Most important, her children learned the importance of creating lists and putting labels on everything.

Janet, the “Grammy” – Nothing made Janet happier than getting visits from her grandkids – Jordan Ortelli, Jake Hurd, Morgan Hurd, Hannah Hurd Hardiman, Connor Alek, Kyle Alek, and Emily Alek. She will keep Heather Brodt and Amber Brodt Krisukas and her two great-grandsons in her heart forever. The grandkids loved riding in the golf cart or Mule, going to the farm shows, picking raspberries, and playing with the toys and trains that consumed most of the basement.

Janet, the nurse – Most likely the role that meant the most to her. Janet graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1954. She was a member of the Eastern Star and never lost the desire to help others. From working in the nursery at Easton Hospital, as a Bangor Area School District school nurse, as an RN at Slate Belt Medical Center, and even down to her final days as a resident at Simpson Meadows, she lived up to her profession in helping those in need.

In all roles, she will be missed.

Family and friends are invited to call 9 - 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16 at the Gaffney Parsons Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 314 S First Street, Bangor, PA, Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family at Plainfield Cemetery, Plainfield Twp, PA. Online condolences may be offered at gaffneyparsons.com

Those wishing to make a donation in Janet’s name can do so to the American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/.