Janet Elizabeth Schreiber

SCHREIBER, Janet Elizabeth Steurer, age 72 of Kettering, Ohio returned home to be with our Lord on Monday, March 18, 2013 after her journey's end. Janet is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Paul J. Schreiber, Kettering. In addition to her husband she is survived by her two daughters Audrey, wife of Eric D. Smith of Bellbrook, OH, and Lisa Schreiber of Dayton, OH; her four grandchildren Cole, Sabrina, Lauren, and Zachary Smith. She is also survived by her sister, Judith, wife of Philip Fleck of Oley, PA. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that she had touched throughout her memorable life. Those who were touched by her understood the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 23 at 9:30 am at St Francis of Assisi, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, OH 45459. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 am. All are invited for fellowship and a celebration luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers Janet requested you fondly remember her with donations to a local church or charity of your choice. May your gift go forth to do its good and perfect work and return to you multiplied abundantly. Janet was born on Feb. 23, 1941 in West Chester Co. PA to Joseph and Reba Steurer. She was raised on a Holstein dairy farm in Pocopson, PA. On the farm her father instilled in her a passion for health and nutrition. He taught her the love of gardening where she learned to sow seeds in the ground as well as in people. She was very active in the local 4-H, winning a State Grand Champion for her hand raised Jersey cow. She graduated from Unionville High School, Unionville PA. There she was the in the court of the Harvest Queen Pageant. She attended West Chester State College, where she was a physical education major. She met her husband, Paul J. Schreiber, while attending the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY. There she received clinical chemistry training and deepened her passion for health and nutrition. Following their marriage, December 1, 1962; the couple moved to Dayton OH where Dr. Schreiber was a physicist at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Paul and Janet eventually moved to Kettering, where she raised and nurtured her two daughters into their adult years. She imparted upon them "All journey's have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." (Martin Buber) She was a grandma to four grandchildren in her later years. We all enjoyed spending special times with her and her sister in Cape May NJ. A born natural entrepreneur, she started several business including JP Enterprises, Creations by M.E., and Traveling Needle, a Bernina Sewing Center. There she increased her great love of educating people. She taught in the Kettering Adult School System creating a following among the people she touched. Prompted by her sewing followers, she opened the Traveling Needle sewing center in 1982 and received many awards for multiple years as a top dealership. With her love of teaching people, she literally knew how to "sew" people together by making connections with whomever she met. In 1986 she rose as a leader in Mary Kay becoming one of the area's top recruiters. She continued to cultivate her entrepreneurial spirit and love of teaching by connecting people and actively involving herself in health-related network companies. Janet once again was able to connect with people and guide them towards their own dreams. Janet was a great servant, volunteering in many ways. She was involved with several ministries, including serving on the bereavement committee at both St. Charles and St Francis. She was also a Eucharist minister and a greeter giving hugs to all at the door. She served people in need through St. Vincent De Paul. She loved to sing and sang in the St. Francis choir for many years. She was also active with the health ministry at St. Francis teaching exercise ball classes as well as helping with health fairs. She became involved with the Hithergreen Community Center, Centerville Ohio in the last several years with her exercise classes and serving as a good friend to all and sharing all she knew in her series of classes known as "Learn with Me." She inspired all that knew her. She was a servant and humbly gave her time, hands, love and heart to all she touched. She did not know a stranger. She knew how to connect with people whether it be with a good conversation, sending a card, or just giving a big hug. Her legacy will grow on in the seeds she has sown in all of our hearts, whether family or friends. As Jan has said, she was in a win-win position, she would like to live but if not, she was still winning because she was going home to be with her Lord and that we will see each other again. One of her favorite sayings was, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" (Dr. Seuss).

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429