Janet M. Buzbee

Janet Buzbee of Paoli, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 15, 2022 after a tough year battling heart issues.

Jan was born on March 14, 1933 to Josephine and Anthony Fiorucci in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended Peabody High School, where she was referred to by friends as a "big wheel," and went on to major in English at the University of Pittsburgh. While at college, she joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Jan has always loved writing and literature. She was a prodigious reader and was always interested in discussing current events and interesting books she had read.

While at the University of Pittsburgh, Jan met her husband Robert Buzbee who was in an MBA program there. They had two children. Debra Buzbee Harrison of Malvern, PA and Robin Buzbee of Philadelphia, PA. Jan enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family. She loved all holidays, and spent many hours dressing up the house for visitors especially during the Christmas season. She always had a seat the table for anyone with no place to go.

Jan worked at Cabrini College and West Chester University in both fund raising and PR. Jan enjoyed her job and liked connecting with people. She was described by colleagues as a consummate professional who was passionate about her job. In recent years, she reconnected with Cabrini College and was instrumental in helping to generate funds for the Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan MSC fund, which generated donations for the digitization of archives of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini.

Jan also had a special connection with her Granddaughter Aleta Ross Harrison. They spent many hours together, even after Jan became ill and there was much love displayed by both Grandmother and Granddaughter. Jan taught Aleta how to cook and both of them loved baking together. Aleta took care of her Grandmother while she was sick and was instrumental in her care.

Jan had many hobbies. She enjoyed gardening and floral arrangements. Every year she would find something new to plant. One of her favorite things was cooking and trying new recipes. She could make standard fare taste delicious and was always willing to step up and contribute her own dish to the Thanksgiving table. Jan also enjoyed playing Mahjong and would tell her family about the challenges of the game, which was fun for everyone to hear about. She was a creative person who loved and supported the arts and was active within her community.

In addition, Jan was a woman of great faith and she was an inspiration to those around her. In recent years, she joined "Walking with Purpose," a bible study group for women. She was described by those who knew her as wise and was able to support others with her wisdom. Throughout her illness she remained positive, and continued to deepen and connect with her faith. She did not give up and always looked at things through a positive lens. Her last week spent with family and friends was one of great hope and peace.

Jan will be greatly missed by both her family and her community. We will miss her kind words and loving presence but she will be forever in our hearts.

We love you....

A Visitation with her family will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Daylesford Abbey, 220 South Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301 followed by her Memorial Service at 12:00 PM. The burial will be private.