Janet R. Adams

Adams - Janet Rose, 70, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of Richland, died peacefully on March 9, 2024 with her children by her side, after a long illness.

Born in Johnstown, PA, on September 15, 1953 to Rita M. (Heinrich) Adams and Paul F. Adams, Jr., she was the youngest of five daughters, and a brilliant mind from the start. Janet graduated salutatorian from Bishop McCort High School before moving on to Indiana University of Pennsylvania to study German and Education, and ultimately to Duquesne University, where she earned her Master of Education degree focusing on mathematics.  

Learning was Janet’s lifelong passion, and teaching was her calling and career - one she did exceptionally well for over 30 years, most recently for Mars Area High School in Mars, PA, where she taught advanced physics, mathematics, and German. A dedicated, dynamic teacher, she inspired an entire generation of students, including her beloved son Ben and daughter Erin. Janet was a cheerleader for humanity with an unwavering belief in the goodness of people and the power in an open and curious mind. 

Janet was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Gerianne. She is survived by her children, their spouses Christy and Jeff, four cherished grandchildren, three loving sisters Jeanne, Judy, and Joan, and many dear nieces and nephews. 

Friends will be received from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown. Committal will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration https://www.theaftd.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ in memory of Janet. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.