Janet Ann Shea

Janet Ann Shea, age 85, of Nazareth, formerly of Mt. Pocono, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital - Anderson Campus surrounded by her loving family. Born in Postville, Iowa, on December 9, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Gilman M. and Helen A. (Schmidt) Johnson of St. Olaf. She was the devoted wife of Thomas Joseph Shea with whom she celebrated 53 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2019.
Janet was a beacon of love and faith throughout her life, touching the hearts of family and all who knew her. Her early years in Iowa were the foundation of a life marked by dedication to family, work, and community. Janet's professional journey began after graduation from Luther College as an elementary school teacher in Cedar Rapids. Eventually, upon moving to Pennsylvania, she was elected to serve as the Tax Collector in the Mt. Pocono region for several terms, where she was respected for her integrity and involvement in community service.
A woman of many talents, Janet was a pilot, an artist, and a musician. Her adventurous spirit was evident when she soloed for her pilot's license. Co-piloting alongside her husband, they honeymooned at a fly-in fishing camp to which they didn't bring rods and reels. They enjoyed airborne jaunts across the Midwest as well as many car trips to visit relatives and friends. In retirement, Janet and Tom enjoyed more travel, taking cruises and overseas trips with friends. Janet always remained active and during her younger years, she found joy in horseback riding and then bowling. Janet's love for the arts was reflected in her membership in the No-Sew Sewing group and with the Pocono Painters Club, and her musical abilities shone as she sang and played the piano. Crafting handmade gifts was a favorite pastime as was watching sports of all types, especially when she could cheer for her children and grandchildren. She was also an avid reader, relished the challenge of word puzzles, and cultivated a garden of friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Janet was a devout member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Cresco, where she contributed her time to the Parish office and served her community as a Eucharistic Minister. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her in her daily actions and interactions with others.
Described as loving, faith-filled, and thoughtful, Janet's capacity to listen and empathize made her a confidante and friend to many. Her passing leaves a void in the lives she touched, but her memory will be cherished and celebrated by all who were blessed to know her.
She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by daughters, Barbara Shea Clarelli (Michael), Colleen Shea Iannone (John), and son Daniel L. Shea (Brittany); siblings, Jarry Johnson and James Johnson (Cindy); and her adoring grandchildren, Mary Burleson (Alec), Sarah Shea, Dolcemina, Michael and Luca Clarelli, and John Thomas Iannone. Janet holds a special place in the hearts of her several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and treasured friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, her brother John Johnson, and her grandson Andrew Shea.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, in Holy Family Catholic Church, 23 Forest Dr., Nazareth, PA 18064, Monday, June 30 at 10am. Followed by interment, at 1:30pm, in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Janet's name may be sent to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association, Inc.
Schmidt Funeral Home, P.C. - Nazareth