Janet Katz, 92, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on June 25, 1933, in Philadelphia, to Pauline and Irving Portnoff, Janet moved to Lebanon County in her early 20s. She graduated from Olney High School and completed her bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College after raising four children. She began her career as an ESOL teacher in Lebanon County and subsequently worked as a realtor with Century 21.
Janet was a creative artist. She loved travel, music, film, theatre, and literature. She was deeply interested in history and current events. In her younger years, she loved to play tennis and dance. Until recently, she practiced yoga, often as the eldest in her class. Janet brought energy and enthusiasm to everything she did. She assembled a sizable fan base of all ages throughout her life. She was inclusive and progressive. Janet glided through life with an uncommon ability to handle adversity with grace, toughness, practicality, and goodness. She treasured her family, friends, and community.
Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Katz, and her son, Robert Katz. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Hollis Harriman; her children, Denise Edwards (Glenn Edwards), Adam Katz, and Carole Katz (Jeff Lancaster); her grandchildren, Lena Mendes (Kelly Smith), Taylor Lancaster, Abby Witt (Daryl Witt), Ryland Lancaster, Louis Katz, Carson Lancaster, and Sammy Katz; and her great-grandchildren, Tommy Witt, Benny Witt, and Grey Lancaster Gibbs.
For those who wish to share in her remembrance, please join us at the Timbers in Mount Gretna on April 19, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gretna Music at www.gretnamusic.org/donate.
