Janette Guarisco Scott

Janette Scott was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was defined by love, generosity, and a heartfelt commitment to caring for others.

Born in 1955 in New Rochelle, New York, to Dr. Joseph A. Guarisco and Agnes Hanson Guarisco, Janette later moved with her family to Greenwich, Connecticut. She graduated from Greenwich High School in 1973, where she was captain of the women’s swim team, a basketball player, and a cheerleader.

Janette earned her BA in psychology from Gettysburg College in 1977 where she met her husband, Charlie Scott, and began a partnership that would become the heart of her life. She remained deeply connected to Gettysburg, generously giving her time and support to the college throughout the years. She went on to earn a MA in the Psychology of Reading from Temple University and taught junior high school reading in the Cherry Hill and Jamesburg, New Jersey, school districts.

Above all, Janette considered her nearly 48-year marriage to Charlie and the loving family they built together her greatest accomplishment and proudest legacy. She was the devoted mother of Charlie Scott Jr. (Kate), Katherine “Katie” Yoder (Mark), and Daniel “Dan” Scott (Melissa). In later years, nothing brought her greater joy than being “Nani” to her six grandchildren: Lincoln, Archer, Brynn, Liam, Charlotte, and Nora. She cared for them regularly, delighting in their everyday lives and surrounding them with love. They adored her.

Her life was also characterized by an abundance of service, activity and time spent outdoors. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Devon, where she served as an Elder, chaired the Outreach Committee, and taught Sunday School for nearly 30 years. She devoted several years to the New Eagle Elementary School PTO, including serving as its president. Over more than 20 years of family ski trips and fall leaf peeping visits, Vermont became one of her favorite places. An avid tennis and paddle player at Martin’s Dam Swim Club, Janette treasured the friendships she made both on and off the courts. Her faith found expression in service, kindness, and steady care for those around her.

Janette had a gift for making people feel remembered and cared for. She stayed in touch, took a sincere interest in the lives of others, and found thoughtful ways to lend a hand. A cherished friend to many, she gave freely of herself, leaving a lasting impression through both her generosity and the countless small acts of kindness that came so naturally to her.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Janette is survived by her sisters, Elise Thomas, Sue DeSantis, and Marcia Standley; her brother, William Guarisco; her brother-in-law, John Scott, and his wife, Elaine; and her sister-in-law, Betsy Lane. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Eric Guarisco.

Janette will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she taught others to share.

A service celebrating Janette’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 217 Berkley Road, Devon, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Janette’s memory be made in honor of her dedication to education or church outreach. The Janette Scott Endowed Scholarship at Gettysburg College will honor her lifelong commitment to education. Donations may be made to Gettysburg College, College Advancement (with Janette’s name indicated), 300 N. Washington Street, Gettysburg College, Box 426, Gettysburg, PA 17325, or online at Gettysburg.edu/give. In recognition of her deep faith and commitment to service, donations may also be made to the Outreach Committee at St. John’s Presbyterian Church at the address above.