Janet Eileen Merritt

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend; Janet Eileen Merritt passed away peacefully on September 6, 2022, with her daughter by her side, at her home in Costa Mesa, California.

She faced her final months with inner strength, serenity and a sharp sense of humor, qualities that only come to those who have lived a life well lived.

Janet “Jane” was born on July 25, 1930, in Fremont Ohio, to Sanford and Corinne Herman. She was raised with her Brother Sanford J. "Jack" Herman in Fremont and Toledo Ohio. Later moving to Long Beach Calif. with her first husband Roger A Barber, where they raised five children in Long Beach, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach, Calif.

Her most honored accomplishment in life was raising and caring for her five children. Janet held a position in the parks and recreation dept. of Fountain Valley in the 1960's helping to establish Mile Square Park. She was an employee of JC Penney’s Co. for 30 years. Awarded accolades for jewelry salesmanship earning her the nickname “Diamond Jane”.

An avid swimmer and lifeguard in her younger years, she enjoyed teaching her children to swim and taking them to ocean. Later in life, Janet was active at the local senior center, enjoying playing cards and painting with friends. Her favorite hobbies were traveling, gardening, sketching, coloring and riding her bicycle.

The widow of William F Merritt; Janet is survived by her children Terry L Barber (Colleen), Trudi R Dawes (Art), William J Barber (Jodi), Rebecca R Morse, and R. Allen Barber; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A private interment service will be held at Harbor Lawns.