Janet Crumhorn Pesce

Janet Crumhorn Pesce passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025 after living a courageous life. Her perseverance through so many obstacles, the inspiration she was to so many people, and the kindness and love she exuded will never be surpassed. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years George (Jerry), sons Doug (Kim) and Stephen (Lynne), six grandchildren Alaric, Allison, Annie, Will, Rosie and Emily, brother David Crumhorn (Teresa), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Claire Mouras Crumhorn and William T. Crumhorn, and granddaughter Teresa (Tess).
Janet was a 1966 graduate of Ursuline Academy where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Debate Team, and the Queen's Players. She was an accomplished pianist and also studied French at Laval University in Quebec in the summer of 1969. She graduated from St. Mary's Dominican College with a degree in Elementary Education. While in college she was a member of the Cardinal Honor Society; Delta Epsilon Sigma, National Honor Society; Kappa Delta Pi, National Education Honor Society; Kappa Delta Phi, and was named "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges." Upon graduation in 1970, she received the Mother Mary de Ricci Hutchinson Award given to the senior who best exemplified the ideals of the College. In 1989 she was awarded the Dominican Torchbearer Award for her life of faith and service. Janet's career of faith and service began as a much loved first grade teacher at St. Philip Neri School and in 1971 she married fellow teacher Jerry Pesce. She and Jerry have two sons, Doug and Stephen, and six grandchildren.
Janet lost her eyesight in 1980 due to complications from childhood diabetes. Determined that her children would have a normal home life and childhood she faithfully attended all of their swim meets and basketball games and was active at Jesuit High School and St. Philip Neri where she was awarded Woman of the Year, 1985-86. Since she could not return to the classroom she decided to pursue teaching others how to live full lives despite their visual disabilities. She taught daily living skills at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Jefferson Recreation Department adult classes, and local Assisted Living Residences. Janet continued to volunteer in elementary schools, teaching young students how visually impaired people do things differently, and how to respect and help someone who is disabled. In 2014 Janet was the commencement speaker for Ursuline's High School Graduation Class. She told the class, "Ursuline has prepared you for whatever life presents."
Janet was very active in her parish serving on the Pastoral Council for several years and singing in the choir for over 25 years. In 2020 Janet received the Order of St. Louis medal from the Archdiocese in recognition of her long standing service to the local Church. Janet also served on the board of the Archdiocese Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Janet initiated Masses throughout the Archdiocese in which disabled participants served as hospitality ministers, lectors, gift bearers, Eucharistic ministers, and cantors.
In 2009 Janet was cited by the Louisiana House of Representatives as a role model for the visually impaired and others. In 2014, she was the recipient of The Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award.
Janet lived her whole life with meaning and met all of her many challenges with courage, perseverance and dignity, but most of all with trust and an unshakable Faith in her God.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors who took such good care of Janet through the years. Additionally, they would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Ochsner Hospital and Hospice for all of the care and compassion given to Janet and her family during these past weeks.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at St. Philip Neri, 6500 Kawanee Avenue, Metairie, LA 70003 from 11am-1pm, with a funeral Mass beginning at 1pm, and interment thereafter at Greenwood Cemetery, 5190 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124.
In lieu of flowers, Masses are preferred. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet, please visit our floral store.