Janet Schmitt Cloninger

Janet Schmitt Cloninger passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 27, 2022 of natural causes at the age of 97.

She was a remarkable matriarch who was loved by many. In her long and incredible life, she paid her way through college, earning her BS in Early Childhood Education. She started a daycare center for underprivileged children and ran it for twenty-five years, survived both a heart attack and breast cancer, and left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to cross her path.

She traveled extensively throughout her life and was particularly fond of Paris and the Caribbean Island of St. Eustatius. In her travels, she visited thirty-five countries and all fifty states. She also loved to cook, read, knit, play Words with Friends and Wordle, and spend time with family and friends especially in the "circle" at Noe Pond Club. She knew how to live; and lived simply but well. She put butter and salt on almost everything and drank bourbon and white wine every day. She was a lover of dance and music, in particular jazz.

She was born in Weehawken, NJ on May 2, 1925, the only child of Erwin Schmitt and Therese Piel. She spent much of her adult life in Chatham, NJ before relocating to Sussex County and ultimately retiring to Covington, LA near New Orleans.

She is survived by her children; Sally (Marilyn Frasca) of Olympia, WA, James (Susan S.) of Morris Township, NJ and Naples, FL and Gary (Susan P) of Covington, LA and her grandchildren, Stacey Wilson (Todd), Robin Peterson (Jordan), Douglas Cloninger and Alison Goldsberry (Drew). She is also survived by four great grandchildren, Marin Virginia Wilson, Cora Tess Wilson, Isla James Peterson and David Gary Goldsberry.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that any memorial gifts be made to The Seeing Eye, a philanthropic organization whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people by the use of Seeing Eye® dogs, where Janet had volunteered. https://tinyurl.com/GgmaTribute

Or to the charity of your choice.

Memorial services are pending