Janet Teresa Fogg

Janet Teresa DeRuiter Coyle Fogg, age 82, died peacefully on April 11, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Health Care Center Memory Unit in Kissimmee, Florida, after living with Alzheimer’s for many years. Janet was born August 9, 1931, in Passaic, New Jersey the daughter of Peter and Teresa DeRuiter. She was raised in Hawthorne, NJ, where she lived until she was married.

Janet’s family was the center of her life. She was equally devoted to both her immediate and extended family including her mother and siblings. After losing her first husband, Edward, in 1969, Janet moved her five children from Pennsylvania to Marco Island, Florida. There she met and married Frederic Fogg and together they continued raising their blended family of eight children. She was devoted to her mentally disabled son, James, and faithfully supported the Sunrise Community where James continues to reside today. In appreciation of her devotion, the Sunrise Community reciprocated in kind by orchestrating visits for James to be with his mother during her last years at Good Samaritan. To all those who witnessed them, these visits were priceless and a true attestation of their unique bond.

Following the untimely death of her first husband, Janet was the first woman to spearhead and own a gas station in the male dominated field in Pennsylvania. She was remarkably courageous in this venture despite the many obstacles. She opened the first children’s clothing stores after relocating to Marco Island in the early 70’s. The Fogg Shops were another successful venture that stood as a pillar in the evolving island. She sponsored little league softball teams as well as donated of her time and clothing to the migrant workers each year. She then became the concierge of the Marriott Hotel on Marco Island before transitioning her post to Hilton Head Island.

Despite her many accolades and achievements, what will always stand at the forefront is her dedication to being a mother. She balanced work and family life in seamless fashion never uttering a complaint. She asked for little and gave all of herself to teach, nourish, and love each of her children in ways that will be uniquely remembered by each.

Janet was a true Christian who belonged to and supported the Baptist and Catholic churches with her family throughout her life. She was a talented soprano that participated in many choirs. Her love for music was not only evident in her song, but also in her love and appreciation of the arts especially musicals on Broadway.

Janet is survived by her husband Fred, her children Edward, Carolyn, Ronald, Anne, Frederic, James, Maura and Holly, her siblings Peter, Robert, and Julianne, 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, and so many wonderful other family members, caretakers, and friends. Her brother, Kenneth predeceased Janet years earlier with the same ailment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Florida or the Good Samaritan Memory Unit in Kissimmee.