Janice Lee Shirer

Janice Garmong Shirer, age 81 of Cedar Lake, went to meet her family and friends in heaven on January 29, 2024. She was born on February 18, 1942, to Richard and Maxine Garmong. In 1960 she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Lee Shirer, and in July of 2023, they celebrated 63 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons: Troy (Mari) and Bradley (Aimee). They celebrated six grandchildren (Brooke (Michael), Zachary, Natalie, Nicholas, Justin and Evan) and three great grandchildren (Alexa, Eva and Harper). Jan loved to support her children and grandchildren in their relationships, sports, activities and hobbies. She could be found on the sidelines of sporting events, or in the audience at military ceremonies, orchestra concerts or theater performances. In addition to being a supportive mother and grandmother, Jan also earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College (in the first female graduating class) and Masters of Education from Purdue University. She taught Elementary school for 30 years and had tremendous influence on the school children of Morocco, IN. She was no pushover, but still deeply loved by hundreds of students. Jan loved her friendships (life-long and steeped in fun). She loved to travel (with friends and family….in July she, Lee, their children and grandchildren took a cruise to celebrate their 63rd Anniversary). She loved to watch a good movie (especially if there was popcorn involved). She loved to shop, and anyone who knew her would agree that she was one of the classiest and most fashionable ladies you would ever see (especially in her sparkly hats). More than these things, Jan LOVED the beach. Being near the ocean was one of her favorite places. She is survived by her loving husband and beautiful family, as well as her brother, Rick (late Gloria) Garmong and sister-in-law Linda (Ralph) Lindgren. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and many life-long and treasured friends from the Morocco, Ft. Myers and Cedar Lake areas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws (Robert and Ruth Ann Shirer). Jan was little in stature, but feisty and fun in everything she did. From being a high school cheerleader to the coolest Grandma anyone ever met, she enjoyed her life and always brought the fun. In lieu of flowers, family encourages donations to Morocco Elementary PTO via DeMotte State Bank, PO Box 540, Morocco IN 47963. Please do so in honor of Janice. Friends and family are invited to visit with the family on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point from 3 – 7 p.m. Between 5-5:30 we will have time to share memories of Jan. www.burnsfuneral.com

Janice Lee Shirer

February 18, 1942 - January 29, 2024