Janet Quinn Rhorer

Janet Rhorer, 97, lifelong resident of Baton Rouge passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Saturday morning, April 30 at her home in Spanish Town.

She was known for her intellect, compassion, wit, Catholic faith, and especially her family and was a shining example of the Greatest Generation. To those fortunate enough to have known her, she was sui generis.

Janet was born January 31, 1925 in Baton Rouge. She attended Dufrocq Elementary, Baton Rouge Middle, and was a 1941 graduate of Baton Rouge High. She entered LSU at age 16 and attended the university during WWII. She would often share stories about the scarcity of food and supplies to help with the war effort. She graduated in 1945 in English Education and began her career at Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips working for Charlie Phillips where she retired after 45 years of service.

Janet’s devotion to Baton Rouge was a part of her life’s story. From the French Latille, Islenos Hernandez and the wonderful Quinn Irish, she embraced her legacy as the continuation of all those who had come before her. She married Edward Hawley Rhorer in 1947. She would go on to have seven children, continue working, and participate in many activities at Sacred Heart, Catholic High and St. Joseph’s Academy. She never missed a concert, play, track meet, basketball or football game. Church functions and Sacraments were never considered optional; you participated.

The children of Janet and Hawley grew up in a world of kindness and love and followed their parents’ example. Janet was quoted as saying, ”God gave me seven children and I am going to raise them with gusto.” “Whenever there is a crisis, it is heartwarming to see how all of my children pull together to help. I think that is probably the thing I feel the proudest of – the love of my children for one another.” “My children always spoke up for family and community even though courage was required,” Janet added.

Deeply rooted in the importance of Catholic education, Janet and Hawley saw their seven children graduate from Sacred Heart, St. Joseph’s Academy and Catholic High School. Janet immediately became involved in helping at St. Joseph’s Academy. In 1962 Janet served as secretary of the Home and School Association and was a member of the first SJA Advisory Board, serving from 1966-1982. She served as the board secretary for 14 years. She also helped Sister Lydia Champagne open the Spirituality Center.

Janet’s love and relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph continued for more than 60 years and the Sisters were her dearest friends. She was humbled to become an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Her children lovingly teased her and called her Sister Janet, our mom.

Because of her deep devotion to SJA and the Sisters, Janet’s children surprised her on her 90th birthday by establishing the Janet Q. Rhorer Endowed Scholarship at SJA. This scholarship was a dream of Janet that every young girl could have the opportunity to attend SJA.

Janet had the gift of hospitality. One might say she was the spark plug that ignited all the activities in the Rhorer home. She greeted and welcomed everyone into her home and loved to entertain. Her many trips to Calandro’s provided the setting for gatherings on Parker Street.

One cannot know Janet and not know her love of LSU and LSU football. She was so proud that her seven children graduated LSU and that many received advanced degrees.

She and her father followed sports from the time she could read the newspaper. After her knee replacement at 85, Janet was asked by the social worker what her goals were following surgery. Her answer: “I want to walk up the ramp to my seat in Tiger Stadium.” Even into her 90s, Janet loved going to watch the football games in Tiger Stadium and walked to the top of the final ramp cheering, “Go Tigers.”

Janet loved to travel. She was fortunate to be able to travel from Ireland to Israel, England to Italy and New York to Williamsburg. She never missed a church in Italy or the purchase of a Celtic cross in Ireland.

A woman of extraordinary intellect, Janet remembered events, dates and people and served as an encyclopedia for others. Even at 97, she watched Jeopardy every day at 4:30 and no calls or visitors interrupted this 30-minute time. She answered correctly the final Jeopardy question more often than the contestants.

Wherever Janet went, she had to have her books and still enjoyed reading and the book lectures on CSPAN. She was as bright and curious as that same 16 year old starting LSU.

She is survived by her children: Kathleen R. Wascom (Mike), Baton Rouge; Jan R. Breen, Baton Rouge; Edward H. Rhorer, Jr. (Laura), Baton Rouge; Paul R. Rhorer (Christine) Baton Rouge; Megan R. Cordova (Jorge), Williamsburg, VA; and Dr. James M. Rhorer, Baton Rouge; and daughter-in-law Julie B. Rhorer, Baton Rouge. Grandchildren: Rebecca L. Gerdes Newman (Sherman); Jonathan Lazarus; Rachel B. Everaard (Kent); Leah B. Houk (Rick); Andrew Wascom (Julia); Jennifer Rhorer; Karen Rhorer; Michael Paul Rhorer; Davis Rhorer, Jr; Matthew Rhorer; Nicholas Cordova, and Katie Cordova; Great grandchildren: Peiwen Lazarus; Luis Lazarus; Quinn Gerdes; Derek Houk; Sophie Everaard; and Jacob Everaard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Hawley Rhorer, Sr.; her son, Davis S. Rhorer; sons-in-law Samson Breen and Walter Comeaux; parents Davis. S and Zylpha “Zip” McAdams Quinn and brother Louis Quinn.

Visitation is Thursday, May 5 from 8-10 am at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on 401 Main Street with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery on 1523 Main Street.

Donation may be made to the Janet Q. Rhorer Endowed Scholarship at St. Joseph’s Academy, 3015 Broussard St. Baton Rouge, La. 70806 or to a charity of your choice.