Janet Brown Kott, 93, of State College, died Oct. 25, 2023, at Juniper Village at Brookline. She was born Oct. 25, 1930 in McKeesport, PA, to the late Alice Donmore Brown and William James Brown.
On Aug. 19, 1950, in East Pittsburg, she married William M. Kott. He preceded her in death February 11, 2009.
Janet is survived by her three children, Michael James Kott of Santa Fe, NM, Barbara Ellen Vogler and her husband George of State College, and Russell Theodore Kott and his wife Sandra Saunders of Sterling, VA; her sister, Shirley Brown Auld of Derry, PA; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Educated in East Pittsburgh, PA from grades 1-12, Janet was the valedictorian of her high school class. She attended Penn State University; one year at Behrend Freshman Center and then two years at State College. It was while she was at Penn State that she married William. She then obtained a B.Sci. degree from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.
Janet was confirmed into the Evangelical Lutheran Church at age 12. A gifted pianist, at age 16 she became the organist at the Lutheran Church in East Pittsburgh, and then through five states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina) as supply organist and accompanist to churches, schools, and municipalities. Her favorite Saturday duty was playing for Joan Downing’s dance studio in Salem, VA.
She also worked as a registered medical technologist in Roanoke, VA hospitals, then at the American Red Cross Blood Center for 13 years.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College, PA 16801.
Miss Janet has completed her final journey. She always said that we should celebrate life, not mourn death; she solved the problem for us by dying on her birthday. She is blowing out candles with Jesus by her side, wishing us all peace and grace. Amen.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.