Janet K. "Soergel" Alker

Janet K. (Soergel) Alker, 85, of Wexford, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends, after a courageous battle with metastatic colon cancer. Born on June 29, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Janet was the daughter of the late Claire Philip and Frances Fisher Soergel. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Clair (Donna) Soergel, and her nephew, Steven D. (Sue) Soergel and Liam's father William J. "Chip" Connelly. Janet is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 68 years, John Alker; her beloved daughter, Elaine Alker; and her cherished grandson, William John "Liam" Alker-Connelly, who was the light of her life. She is also remembered with love by dear family members Elizabeth and Randy Soergel and their children Peter R. (Sara) Soergel, Amy E. (Douglas) Foster, and Cameron C. (Camila Valencia) Soergel; her niece Paula E. (David) Kuhn; and her nephew Philip M. (Marcia) Soergel. David B. and Marcy A. Gookin and their children Ann (Dawn Callahan), Katherine (Bennett) Krejci, and David (Grace) Gookin and by many treasured friends. Janet married John in October of 1958, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and adventure. For 37 years they proudly owned and operated a service station in Franklin Park. Janet was a 1958 graduate of North Allegheny High School and treasured her lifelong friendships, gathering monthly with friends from her early days at the original Marshall Elementary School in Warrendale. She spent many years as a buyer at Soergel's Greenhouses, where her office is still affectionately known as "Janet's Room." In 2001, she retired to dedicate her time to her family. Her greatest joy came in helping raise her grandson Liam, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. Janet will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her Janet-isms, and the warmth and kindness she extended to everyone she met by wanting to know their story. Her legacy will live on in the love of those whose lives she touched. Professional services entrusted to Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238; www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com.