Janice Rose Cmar

 

Janice R. Cmar, a resident of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, departed this world on January 6, 2024.  Born to the late Edward M. and Ruth Pickard Butko,  Jan was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Edward, Jr. and David Butko.  She leaves behind a legacy cherished by her loving husband of 39 years, Dennis Cmar, son Michael (Angela) Cmar and her daughter Nicole Cmar.  Jan is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Teddy and Lilly, as well as her identical twin sister, Joan Butko Basden, Uncle Raymond Butko and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Jan’s life was a testament to her dedication to community and church service.  Elected to the Jefferson Hills Borough Council four times and twice elected Mayor of Jefferson Hills, an extraordinary twenty-four year journey as an elected official.  Her accomplishments were many and impactful.  She co-developed the borough’s inaugural web page, initiated their Military Banner Program, and orchestrated the borough’s current Summer Program. She played a pivotal role in designating Jefferson Hills as an Allegheny County Banner Municipality, led community cleanup day for many years, initiated the creation of the borough’s Environmental Quality Board, even taught a cooking class at the Borough Building, and initiated a Government Day at Gill Hall Elementary.  As Mayor, Jan officiated 35 wedding ceremonies, generously donating all proceeds to the Jefferson Hills Library and Recreation Board. 

Jan was active in various associations, a dedicated member of the Pennsylvania Mayors Association, serving as Board Secretary for six years.  She also contributed as a Board Member of the Allegheny County Boroughs Association, a proud 2020 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy Program, and an honored member of its Alumni Association.  In 2015, Jan received the Hats Off To Mom Award from Sisters Place; she also received two prestigious awards from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs - the Cecil K. Leberknight Award and the Thomas F. Chrostwaite Award.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Mansfield University, where she joined the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and remained a proud member for life.  She furthered her education by attaining a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Duquesne University.  Her passion for teaching led to a fulfilling 35-year career as a Home Economics teacher, retiring from the Peters Township School District.  In 1991, she held the esteemed position of President of the Allegheny County chapter of the Pennsylvania Home Economics Association.  Even after retirement, Janice continued to contribute to education as the President of the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for key women educators, up until the time of her passing.

A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross parish, Jan volunteered at various parish events, including their Fish Fry and annual Festival.  She served as a member of the Floreffe Fire Hall Ladies Auxiliary, the Jefferson Hospital Auxiliary, the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce, and a distinguished life membership of the Gill Hall Volunteer Fire Company.

Jan’s life was a tapestry of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10th and Thursday, January 11th, 2024 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m., in the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home, 1701 State Route 51 (Large), Jefferson Hills, PA 15025, 412-384-0350, www.stephenslater.com. There will be a prayer in the Funeral Home on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Thomas A’Becket Church. Jan's burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park Cemetery, Pleasant Hills.

 

If desired please make a donation in Jan’s name to the American Cancer Society.