Janet E. Freehling

1936 - 2025

Janet Eileen (Weber) Freehling, 88, formerly of Leechburg (Allegheny Township), passed away peacefully at Assisted Living at Rosebrook, Sarver, on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. Janet was born on Dec. 18, 1936, in Ernest, to the late Marlin J. Weber Sr. and Mary Ann (Hoover) Weber. She attended Albright College in Reading and earned a bachelor's degree in history. She continued her graduate studies at West Virginia University, where she earned a master's degree in history. Later, Janet attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Master of Education degree, specializing in special education with a focus on hands-on skills for teaching students with disabilities. Throughout all her academic pursuits, Janet graduated with honors. Janet began her career as a history teacher at the junior high school located in Freeport. Later, she chose to pursue a career working with students with special needs at South Buffalo Elementary, Freeport Elementary, and Buffalo Elementary schools. Janet was a fierce advocate for her students; she never relented when it came to their health, welfare, and education. When Janet retired after 36 years of teaching in the Freeport Area School District, she was able to dedicate more time to her church, Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church in Freeport. She was also a past Worthy Matron of the Freeport Eastern Star Lodge. Janet was a woman of faith and service, volunteering for many committees and programs at Trinity, where she also served as a board member. Janet was particularly concerned about members of her congregation and the community at large who were confined to their homes due to illness or disability. She took it upon herself to send all sorts of greeting cards and notes to them throughout the year. Janet wanted to let others know that they were never forgotten. Janet enjoyed traveling in her golden years. She often went to visit family and friends in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Martha's Vineyard, Montreal, and Quebec. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn D. Freehling; daughter, Brooke A. Freehling; her parents mentioned above; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Gerard and Dorothy Leech; and brothers, Samuel Weber and Marlin J. (Sharon) Weber. Janet is survived by her sons, Bryan D. Freehling and husband, Dr. Paul I. Weiss of Easton, MA, and Brock D. Freehling and wife, Roberta of Southington, CT; her grandchildren, Riley Weber Freehling, Brynn Jennings Freehling, and Brody Glenn Freehling of Southington, CT; her brother, James Weber of Elizabethtown; her former student and dear friend of sixty-plus years, Harley Ann Livingston of Springdale; and her adopted family, Shawn E. (Theresa) Ross and their children, Dalton and Mason, of Leechburg. Family and friends will be welcomed from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport (724-295-3100). Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 323 Fifth St., Freeport. Reverend Dr. Jeffrey A. Truscott will officiate. Committal services and burial will follow at Sarverville Cemetery in Buffalo Township. In lieu of flowers, Janet's family asks that contributions be made in her honor to The Special Olympics (https://www.specialolympics.org/get-involved/donate) or The Arc (https://thearc.org/get-involved/ways-give/) to support those with special needs. Please visit www.daughertyfh.com for condolences.