Janet M. Cole

Janet M. Cole was born on December 30, 1949, in Orange, New Jersey. She grew up in West Orange, later lived in Maplewood, and in 2012 made her home at the Renaissance in Manchester. Janet dedicated 34 years of her life to education as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education before retiring in 2007. During her career, she proudly served as Vice President of the Newark Teachers Union and President of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Federation of Teachers and was honored with a Legislative Proclamation recognizing her dedication and service as an educator.

While living at the Renaissance, Janet remained active and engaged. She enjoyed playing Mahjong and founded a book club. She had a deep love for bird watching, all animals, boat rides, and spending time at Cattus Island. Janet was always socially active, but what she cherished most was spending time with her granddaughter, grandnieces, family, and friends.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, William and Betty Cole, and her siblings, Kathleen, Nancy Nevius, William, Curtis, and Marian. She is survived by her loving daughter, Jennifer Corrao Buzza, and her husband, John; her cherished granddaughter, Harper; her sister, Elaine McGuire, and brother-in-law, Bill McGuire; her brother, Dennis Cole, and sister-in-law, Dawn; her sister-in-law, Hilary Cole; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Janet at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, located at 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759, on February 2, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on February 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM; family and friends may arrive beginning at 9:30 AM.

A private committal will take place following the service at Good Luck Cemetery, 57 Haines Street East, Lacey Township, NJ 08734.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janet’s memory to Popcorn Park Zoo (ahscares.org).