Janet Marjorie Strothman

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, Janet Marjorie Strothman, loving daughter, sister, godmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Janet was born on October 7, 1926 in New Jersey to Russel and Julia (Teepe) Strothman. She attended Smith College and served as a teacher and librarian in Berkeley, California for over 40 years.

Janet was an avid reader and had an ardent passion for books. Her home was filled with the written word—from novels and magazines to newspapers and scholarly articles. To her, books were the gift that truly kept on giving. Janet was also a fervent music lover and listener of Bach, her favorite composer. To continue her lifelong journey of self-education, she attended Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes discussing Bach and his musical legacy. She also loved to play the piano with her friends both at home and at her church, St. Marks. Janet was a passionate advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, philanthropy, and environmental conservation. She gave generously to her favorite charities and stayed active at the YMCA. She often followed the workout schedules used by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a woman whom she admired greatly for her life’s work. Janet, or as many called her, “Auntie Janet,” loved spending time with friends and family at Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley. She will always be remembered for her independence, intelligence and quick wit, her infectious laugh, and her kind and compassionate spirit. Janet was preceded in death by close friends, second cousins, and godchildren. Janet will be interred at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley alongside her mother, father, and brother. A virtual funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 20th at 1:00pm on St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley’s Facebook page. Please contact the parish office for more information.