Janet Schneirla Drum

Janet Drum, 92, of Newton NC, passed away the evening of February 11, with family by her side. She was born to the late T.C. and Leone Schneirla, March 5, 1931 in Chicago IL. Janet attended Swarthmore University and graduated from Columbia Teaching College earning a master’s degree with a concentration in music education.

After a brief career as a music teacher, she met her future husband, Reverend Harold Drum, while performing as organist in the Lutheran church. They were married on July 2, 1962 and resided together in multiple locations including Long Island NY, Baltimore MD, Pittsburgh PA, Greenville SC and Waterford MI before relocating to Newton NC for retirement.

Janet is survived by two children: Adrienne Drum of Carrboro NC and Margaret Lumsdaine of Port Hadlock WA. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Sophia and Brendan, and son in-law Peter Lumsdaine. She was predeceased by her loving husband in 2008.

Janet was a talented musician with the rare ability to navigate the ins and outs of the classical pipe organ. She played and taught piano, sang in the church choir, and passed her appreciation of music to her children and grandchildren. As a young stay-at-home mom, she was appreciated for sewing one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes, baking the very best chocolate chip cookies, and throwing memorable childhood birthday parties.

Having an intense interest in other cultures and the world at large, Janet and Harold both enjoyed entertaining church visitors from all over the world, including Germany and India. A crusader for both human rights and cultural understanding, Janet was always intent on keeping up with current events and needs of the less fortunate.

Although she didn’t grow up in a religious household, Janet found God at an early age and remained steadfast in her spiritual growth and belief. Not just a “Pastor’s Wife,” she continued to attend church, sing in the choir, and volunteer for numerous church and community service jobs throughout her life.

Janet eventually retired to the Abernethy Laurels where she was an active member of the community. Sunday gatherings with local family members were especially enjoyable for her.

Even as her health declined, she remained connected to and enjoyed the companionship of close Abernethy friends and loyal family that doted on her. In her final Hope Court

Abernethy home, staff would always smile and refer to her not only as kind, but as “one of the sweet ones.”

During the later years, those who knew her best were often fortunate enough to receive a signature, “Love ya, Love ya, Love ya . . .” on departure.

Love ya, love ya, love ya Mom! You couldn’t have said it better.

A gathering of friends will be held at 11am on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Abernethy Laurels Spirit Place Chapel.

A celebration of life will follow at 12 pm with Reverend Margaret Lumsdaine officiating. Burial will follow at 1:30 pm at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Conover, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lutheran World Relief Fund at PO Box 17061 Baltimore, MD 21297 or to Janet Drum Memorial Service at Abernethy Laurels 102 Leonard Ave Newton NC 28658.

Condolences may be sent to the Drum family at www.drumfh-conover.com

The Drum family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.