Jan Schroeder

December 30, 1954 – November 27, 2024

Janice Lee Schroeder, age 69, of Johnstown, Ohio, passed away on November 27, 2024, steps away from the Vatican while on a dream vacation with her loving husband. She was born in Napoleon, Ohio, to Richard and Jean Hasselschwert. She graduated from Wauseon High School and Bowling Green State University where her love for community and service began. She carried those values with her throughout the rest of her life. Janice was a bright and compassionate soul who left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Janice married the love of her life, Stephen Schroeder, and together they built a beautiful life spending over 40 years in Archbold, Ohio, raising their two children, Zebb Schroeder and Emily Browder. A dedicated special education teacher for 35 years, Janice touched countless lives with her patience, kindness, and unwavering call to serve. She also served on the Archbold Park Board and taught religious education at St. Peter’s, where her faith and commitment to others shone brightly.

Her greatest joy was her family. She grew up in a house with five sisters that was filled with love and laughter. She carried that love for family forward and cherished every moment with her grandchildren and was a loving godmother, aunt, and confidant to her nieces and nephews. Janice could regularly be found on the sidelines, cheering for her children and grandchildren as they played their sports.

As a child, she spent her summers filled with laughter at Clear Lake, Indiana. Later in life, she was often sneaking away to make memories with her family and friends at numerous lakes around Michigan. She also enjoyed golf trips and beach escapes with dear friends, savoring life’s simple joys. Janice had a special gift for bringing people together. From organizing family celebrations to arranging gatherings with friends, she knew how to make a room feel warm and anyone in it to feel welcome.

After moving to Johnstown, Ohio, ten years ago, Janice continued her devotion to her faith by leading Bible studies with her Walking With Purpose group and leading the welcoming committee at St. Edward’s Church. She also continued to serve as a substitute teacher and could be found smiling in the halls of Granville schools. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and connection.

Janice is survived by her husband, Stephen; children, Zebb Schroeder (Ashley Schroeder), and Emily Browder (James Browder); grandchildren, Ryke, Scarlett, Senna, James, and Hayes; and her beloved sisters, Beth Vanderson, Judy Turney, Jane Kuthy, Jen Ruess, and Brenda Case. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Jean Hasselschwert.

Her warmth, faith, and joyful spirit will live on in all who loved her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her boundless love, service, and light she brought to the lives she touched.

Janice’s family invites all who knew her to attend a brief visitation from 10-11AM preceding the funeral that will be held at 11AM at St. Edward’s parish in Granville, OH. A luncheon in the parish hall will follow the funeral from 12-1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Vincent de Paul Center, 135 Wilson St., Newark, Ohio, 43023, or Walking With Purpose https://walkingwithpurpose.com/wwp-online/.