Janet Louise Verscharen

Janet Louise Joswiak Verscharen, 84, of Woodstock, GA, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on June 25, 1941, she was the beloved only child of the late Clara and Raymond Joswiak.

A proud graduate of St. Basil’s High School in Carrick, PA, Janet met the love of her life, Joseph W. Verscharen, at a school dance. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family in Bethel Park, PA, before moving to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in 1985. There, Janet and Joe ran a small, welcoming motel in Kitty Hawk called Beach Haven, where their warmth and hospitality were felt by all who visited.

Later in life, Janet moved to Georgia, where she worked as a secretary and as a sales associate in a clothing store. But above all, her heart was always with her family. She found the greatest joy in spending time with those she loved.

Janet was the devoted mother of Beth (Thomas), Mark (Linda), and Kurt (Kathy), who made her the proud grandmother of Benjamin (Molly), Leah (Caleb), Donald (Rachel), Jacquelyn (Justin), David, and Victoria. Her legacy continues in her ten great-grandchildren: Grayson, Lilly, Brinley, Kinleigh, Emersyn, Patrick, Violet Jo, Hannah, Carey, and Rush.

Janet will be fondly remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love. Her home was often the heart of holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving, where her famous gravy became a cherished tradition. She loved playing cards, sewing, doing crafts, walking along the beaches of Kitty Hawk and Destin, collecting seashells, cooking, and cheering on her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Pittsburgh, PA on Monday, September 22, 2025 (location to be determined).

A second Celebration of Life will take place in Georgia on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Canton First Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research (www.stjude.org) OR Emory Winship Cancer Institute (https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/give/give-in-memory.php) are appreciated.