Janet Louise (Wintermyer) Derr

Janet Louise Derr, of Granville, Ohio passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Sunday, May 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Janet was born February 4, 1934, in Harrisburg, Pa. She attended William Penn High School graduating in 1952. She worked at Thompson Products where she met the love of her life, Don Derr.  They were married in July of 1954.  She was the biggest supporter of her husband in all of his performances in community theater. She volunteered as a backstage hand in many of his productions.  They were true soulmates in life and are finally reunited in love in their heavenly home.

Jan had so much love to give and she gave it freely to everyone she met.  She never knew a stranger.

Jan’s greatest goal in life was to be a Mom - especially to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.   She was actively part of their lives and their biggest cheerleader in everything they did. She was a school bus driver for Granville Elementary Schools lovingly transporting her precious “cargo” to and from home to school.  She was the house mother for the Theta House at Denison University for 14 years and loved being the home away from home Mom to over 1000 young women during her tenure at Theta.

She was an avid reader which made her able to talk with anyone on any topic. She loved all types of  movies, especially classic old movies and musicals. She delighted in watching the birds at her many bird feeders.

She fiercely loved life, her family and friends with great enthusiasm; sharing her pearls of wisdom and playful spirit. She taught us all not to take things too seriously.  She was always bright and full of optimism with just enough sass to make you laugh and smile. Even during her end of life journey, she didn’t lose her sense of humor and gratitude in life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Savilla (Thomas) Wintermyer; brother, William Wintermyer; son-in-law, Joe Nigro; grandson, Joseph Nigro.

She is survived by her her 4 children - Phyllis (Sam) D’Amato, Margie Nigro, Cassie (Jim) Weaver, Dave (DeAnna) Derr; her 13 grandchildren: Kate (Steven) Wollenberg, Michael (Ashley) Weaver, Jimmy (Fallon) Nigro, Steven (Fiona) Nigro, Danny D’Amato, Sarah (Steven) Williams, Paul (Suzanne) Elmore, Michael (Becky) Elmore, Renee Derr (Fiancé Zach Boggess), and surrogate grandchildren - Taylor, Amberly, and Paige Griesse; 18 great-grandchildren: Corey, Carly, Cooper, Joseph, Patrick, Charlie, Max, Thomas, Rylee, Greyson, and Dani, Hannah, Jace, Jaren, Emma, Evie, Levi, and Dakota; brother Alvin Wintermyer (and Eileen McCann), and surrogate sister - Carol Sue McClusky; 8 Nieces and Nephews: Gail Sunderland Fannasy, Joey Cole, Julie and David Wintermyer, Dotty Maddock, Bobbie Host, Donnie and Dickie Derr.

Special Thanks to Pastor Casey and the Hospice Team that cared for our Mother, especially Patty who took great care in helping her every week.  There should be more Patty’s in this world who served our Mom so graciously and with dignity. Thank you Patty, Gayle, Victoria, Audra, Pastor Mark and the many other Nurses who helped our Mother on her journey to heaven.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 East Broadway, Granville, Ohio 43023; St Jude Children’s Hospital and  Hospice of Central Ohio.

A Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held 3 PM, Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 E. Broadway, Granville, Ohio 43023.     The service will be live streamed from Centenary’s website at this link: https://www.centenaryumc.com/.

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Janet and her family.  Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.