Janet R. Burns

Janet Rita (Petaccio) Burns, 83, wife of the late Joseph E. Burns Jr., passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at Phoenixville Hospital. Born on March 21, 1942, in Norristown, she was the daughter of the late Mary T. (DiRado) and James F. Petaccio. Over the years, Janet made homes (and communities) in Norristown, Pottstown, and Drums, before spending her later years in Collegeville.

Janet was a creator, an organizer, and, at heart, a true people person. She put those talents to excellent use during her tenure as Museum Curator at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, where she brought history to life with her theatrical flair.

No matter where she lived, Janet had a remarkable talent for becoming both well-liked and indispensable. She was deeply kind, highly capable, and a born community organizer. If her neighborhood association needed a newsletter, Janet didn't just volunteer - she organized it, designed it, published it, and distributed it herself.

She was also strong-willed, well-read, and delightfully theatrical. Janet created Muppet kits and recorded soundtracks for her children's puppet shows, organized legendary Petaccio family reunions, and was widely known as an accomplished and enthusiastic grocery-aisle dancer.

Most importantly, Janet was an unforgettable presence in the lives of her family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and sister - generous to a fault, especially when it came to giving things away. Janet had real ability to make people feel truly seen.

Just like her husband, Janet was never afraid of thoughtful political discourse and believed that changing one's mind was a sign of engagement, not weakness. In her later years, her views evolved alongside a deepening concern for fairness, dignity, and the way in which people were treated.

Janet is survived by her children: Karen M. (the late Thorsten) Woermann, Jennifer L. (Greg) Spack, and Steven M. Burns; her grandson, Daniel Joseph Burns; her siblings, James F. (Pat) Petaccio and Judith Petaccio; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Church of Saint Mary, 40 Spring Mount Road, Schwenksville, PA. Friends will be received at the church from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Officiating will be Fr. Vincent Burns. Interment will follow at Limerick Garden of Memories.

Memorial contributions may be made in Janet's name to The American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, www.cancer.org/donate.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered online at www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com.