Janice M. Baer, 77, of Lurgan, departed this life on the morning of Monday, July 11, 2016, at Life Care Hospital, Mechanicsburg.
She was born on May 28, 1939, in Blairs Mills, a daughter of the late William and Helen Smith Wiser. Janice was a 1957 graduate of Chambersburg High School and a 1961 graduate of Shippensburg University, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Education. She married Harold E. “Sonny” Baer on June 4, 1960, at the Mongul United Brethren Church, Shippensburg.
Janice had a thirty eight year career as an elementary school teacher, spending the first six years teaching grades three through six at Newburg Elementary and then thirty two years teaching kindergarten at the Lurgan Elementary School, retiring in 2002. Though even after retirement Janice continued to educate and work with children by volunteering to help with extracurricular reading activities at Lurgan.
She was a member of the Grace Brethren Church, Chambersburg where she also volunteered for many years to help with Vacation Bible School. Janice enjoyed attending activities with fellow retired educators from the Pennsylvania School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and also enjoyed reading and baking. Spending quality time with her family and friends was something that was very near and dear to Janice.
She is survived by her husband of fifty six years, Harold; one son, Randy E. (Tammy) Baer of Shippensburg; one daughter, Rita Renee (Matt) Wolfe of Hagerstown; five grandchildren, Randi Lee Weist, Amanda S. Baer, Wesley Baer, Alia Wolfe, and Mya Wolfe; six great grandchildren, Dakota Weist, Cayden Weist, Gavin Baer, Adyson Johns, Weston Baer, and Raegan Baer; one brother, Cecil (Beulah) Wiser of Orrstown; one sister, Louise Rosenberry of Shippensburg; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by two children at birth, Michael and Tammy; and one brother, Theodore ‘Ted” Wiser.
Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Shippensburg. The Rev. John Bayer will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mongul Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to camp Joy El at 7341 Joy El Drive Greencastle, PA 17225.
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