Janet K. Ayres

Janet Koenig Ayres departed this life on New Years Eve 2025. She was 99 years old. Her Phoenixville home base for much of the past 70 years was a 1923 stone dwelling on Main Street, which she enjoyed well into her 98th year. For over 50 years she helped manage the Valley Forge Animal Hospital with her husband, veterinarian Harold C. Ayres Jr. VMD. They maintained many close associations with the practice clients. They both loved animals and many were adopted into the family. Their nearby home was considered an open house for family celebrations, reunions, visitors, club meetings, and pool parties.

Janet grew up outside of Philadelphia in Brookline, PA, close to an extended family. She maintained many lifelong connections with neighbors and classmates. She attended Haverford High School, where she eventually became the chairman and organizer of the class reunions, with the last being their 70th in 2014. She graduated from Ursinus College with a degree in history and added to her collection of lasting friendships and met her husband. College summers were spent working at a resort in Ocean City, NJ. In 1948, at the age of 22, Janet toured the British Isles with a study group, traveling by ocean liner. She developed a love of multicultural friendships and travel, visiting over 25 countries in her lifetime. Part of every summer was spent at her grandfather's beloved seaside cottage in Sea Isle City, NJ. It was always packed with people enjoying the coastal activities, seafood and field fresh produce.

In Phoenixville Janet participated in many civil, social and village improvement associations. She served on many councils and sang in the choir of the First Methodist Church, as a member for 75 years. She was involved with service organizations, often as an officer, in the Women's Club and Education, Music and Literature Clubs. She was a tireless fundraiser. She was often PTA president and always classroom mom and supported the teachers in many other ways. She worked at the Phoenixville library for over 40 years, where she was a favorite of patrons of all ages. She was an avid reader and encouraged others to do so. Janet was a proficient seamstress and stitcher, making many of the family clothes for years. Janet was always fascinated by photography and images, assembling photo tributes and genealogies and even winning awards in landscape photography competitions. Besides pets, Janet and Harold collected antiques, coins, majolica and pre-Columbian art. They were founding members of the Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area. Janet and Harold were Bridge card game enthusiasts playing wherever they were and in several clubs. The clubs occasionally vacationed together. For a while Jan and Hal developed a proficiency at navigating small sailing yachts with friends and family in the Caribbean, Chesapeake and Southern New Jersey.

In the late sixties, Harold and Janet happened upon a rustic beach cottage in Paynes Bay, Barbados. Initially it was only for Christmas visits, but eventually they discovered the benefits of longer visits and stayed for most of the winter. Over the years they made many Bajan and international friends. As with Phoenixville and the shore, EVERYONE was always welcome. In the 2000's Janet was able to enjoy overseas travels with close family members Lucinda, Hilary, Tristan, Sandy, Wendel and others.

Janet retired from the library in 2020, but continued to read and share books extensively, play cards, create needlepoint gifts, attend church, book club and bible study and enjoy family and neighborhood events. Though she started to face more of the difficulties of age after 95 years, she still read the Wall Street Journal, did crossword puzzles and took a walk every day. She sent piles of greeting and Christmas cards and supported animal and environmental causes. Janet was grateful for the many people in her life who cared for her and shared their time with her. For much of the last 9 months Janet's friend Denise Nattle was by her side, feeding her, entertaining her and advocating for her care and comfort on a daily basis. Diane Baker, a friend from church, was a loyal visitor.

Her life was defined by connections, compassion and faith. Sharing, supporting, remembering and laughing with those she encountered on her life's journey. Small acts of kindness for those in need, charities and animals, and an unwavering faith. She had a good start with a hardworking, supportive family of believers. Janet's mother, Emma Koenig was particularly cheerful, loving and kind and shared with her the joys of hospitality. Her aunt, Elmira Wendel stimulated her interest in learning, travel and the arts. Her father, Charles Koenig, gave her a sharp wit and a love of reading. Her younger brother Wendel and later his wife Sandy were always in her life. With this foundation and support she was able to be strong and remain resilient in the face of life's challenges.

She is survived by two sons, Harold C. III (Margaret) Ayres of Ambler PA; Brian W. Ayres of Raleigh NC., Daughter Lucinda Thrall of Raleigh, NC., Grandson Tristan Thrall (Dana Corbett) of Atlanta, GA., Granddaughter Hilary (Minh) Nguyen and two great grandsons Carson and Lucas all of Raleigh NC., Brother Wendel (Sandy) Koenig of Honey Brook, PA., Nephew Steve (Teresa) Koenig and daughter Janae of Leola, PA., Neice Stacy Bosi and son Jack of Honesdale, PA., and Cousin David (Jeanne) Moore of Winchester, VA. In addition she is survived by neighbors, church friends and 'cousins' in Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Janet's name may be made to the: First United Methodist Church of Phoenixville (865 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460); Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area (hspa-pa.org/donate/); Phoenixville Library (phoenixvillelibrary.org/donate-online/) or Brandywine Valley SPCA (bvspca.org/donate).

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service in the First United Methodist Church, 865 Main St, Phoenixville, PA on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Young. Burial will be held privately in Morris Cemetery. Friends will be received from 10:00 am - 10:45 am in the church. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.