It is with deep sorrow that the family of Janet Spence Lowery announces her death. She passed away peacefully on November 24, 2022 at the Keystone House hospice in Wyndmoor, PA. In her last days she was surrounded by her family. She was 85.

Janet was born on August 30, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of LeRoy and Mary (Maginnis) Spence. She grew up as part of a large family, first in Elkins Park and then in Abington, PA, where she spent most of her life. Janet was a brilliant woman who excelled in academics and business. She graduated at the top of her class from Abington High School in 1955 and was the class Salutatorian. She graduated magna cum laude from the College of New Rochelle in 1959. While at CNR, she was president of the Family Life Club, was a dean's list student and was an active member of the National Federation of Catholic College Students. She later earned a teaching degree at West Chester State College.

A dedicated mother of four, Janet was a Brownie leader and sewed beautiful Halloween costumes for her children and clothing for them and their dolls. She learned to play the guitar and encouraged her children to love music, reading and art. A talented seamstress, Janet made draperies for her homes and the homes of her children, upholstered furniture, and wallpapered and painted her entire home. She was an excellent cook and her recipes live on with her children.

While raising her children, Janet worked as a substitute teacher and librarian in the West Chester and Abington school districts.

Later in life, Janet took courses in accounting and began a new career at the Wyncote Church Home (now Phoebe Wyncote). There, she rose through the ranks to become the executive director. She retired from this position in 2008.

Janet was a volunteer for the Philadelphia chapter of the Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) for over 30 years, beginning in 1977. CISV is a global organization dedicated to educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding, a cause that was dear to her heart. Each year, CISV conducts summer exchange programs all over the world for children ages 11-19+. Janet served as treasurer of the Philadelphia chapter multiple times between 1978 and 2012 and served as the president from 1999 to 2000. In addition, she held the positions of National Audit Committee Chair and National Village Chair. In 2001, she planned the Power of Peace village and, in October of that year, was awarded the CISV Rudie Memmel Award for her exemplary commitment to CISV.

Janet was an avid gardener and her beautiful gardens were admired by her friends and neighbors. She loved to read, travel, do crossword puzzles and spend time with family. After retirement, she joined a gym and regularly attended Silver Sneakers classes, which she loved and which kept her young. She was a proud grandmother of ten and an aunt of 20.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert W. Lowery and by her four children, Margaret (Peggy) Becker (Rob), Elizabeth (Betsy) Lovensheimer, Kathleen (Kathy) Cameron (Dan) and Robert S. (Bob) Lowery (Kristin) and her ten grandchildren, Keith Cameron, Sophie Cameron, Daniel Becker, Chloe Lovensheimer, Emma Cameron, Ysabel Lowery, Kate Lovensheimer, Eliza Becker, Spence Lowery and Charlotte Lowery. Her sisters, Mary McCue, Dorothy Schere, Robin Costa, and Ginny Jones, and her brother, Steve Spence, also survive her. Her brother John Spence passed away earlier this year.

Janet's kindness, curiosity, dedication to family and care for others lives on in her children and grandchildren. This is her true legacy.

Visitation and service will be held at FitzPatrick's Funeral Home on December 17, 2022. Visitation will be 3:00pm to 5:00pm and the service will be 5:00pm to 5:30pm. FitzPatrick's is located at 1500 Old York Road (corner of Old York Road and Jericho Road), Abington, PA 19001.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Janet's name to Atlas Foundation for Autism (https://www.atlasforautism.org/donate/) or Keystone House (https://www.keystonecare.com/donate-today/).