Janice Gayle Barzditis (Phelps)

Janice Gayle Barzditis (Phelps) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, in Fredericksburg, VA.  Jan was born July 23,1930 in Coshocton, Ohio and raised in Cambridge, Ohio.  She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1948 and was a member of her class Student Council and marching band.  Following graduation from Ohio University she was an elementary school teacher in Maple Heights, Ohio, where she met her future husband Walter (Pete). Jan and Pete began a family and raised three children, Sue, Tom and Tim in Cuyahoga Falls.  When her children were of school age Jan went back to school and graduated with an additional teaching degree from the University of Akron.  As an elementary teacher in the Cuyahoga Falls School System, Jan was highly regarded, appreciated and was the recipient of numerous teaching awards, to include Educator of the Year in 1988.

Jan always had a great sense of humor, a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She enjoyed being around people, regardless of the event.  Whether it be coffee with friends, church, a neighborhood fish fry, playing the ukulele, sitting in the cold Rubber Bowl on a rainy night watching Zips football, she enjoyed socializing and being around those she cared for. Jan also "enjoyed" her Cleveland and Ohio State sports teams.  Too bad she didn't get to see the Browns play in a Super Bowl...

Jan was active.  As well as raising her family, she had been a PTA president at her children's school, was a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Women's Club, and absolutely enjoyed playing golf and bridge.  She was also an active member of the Northminster Presbyterian Church, serving in various positions and enjoyed singing with her daughter in the church choir.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruth Phelps; husband Pete; children Sue and Tim; and siblings Charlotte, Ruth, Jack, Doris, and Jean.  She is survived by son LtCol USMC Ret. Tom (Nancy DeLapa Keny); three grandchildren Thea, Hailee (Drew), Hayden (Sara); three great grandchildren Graham, Indy, and Reagan; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, their families and numerous lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank Danbury/Cuyahoga Falls, Vitalia/Stow, and Falls Run Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their professionalism, support and care for Jan.

Calling hours will be held from 11 am -12 pm, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon on SATURDAY, November 9, 2024, at the Northminster Presbyterian Church, 104 W. Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 44223. Rev. Barry Chance officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Janice Barzditis' name can be made to Falls Run Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Attn: Activities Dept), 180 Brimley Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22406.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Falls Chapel, 1907 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44223.