Obituary

Janice L. (Pysher) Wescott of Westmont joined her parents and brothers in the eternal afterlife on November 25, 2024. Born on November 21, 1946, in Bethlehem, PA, she just celebrated her 78th birthday. Jan was a friend to all who knew her. An English teacher for nearly 30 years at Bensalem High School, she retired to Johnstown, PA in 2007 to be with her grandchildren, Will, Hayden, and Liza Spangler. Jan also taught English courses at Montgomery County and Bucks County community colleges.
A tireless advocate for public education, Jan served as president of Bensalem Township Education Association and was the Mideastern Representative for the Pennsylvania State Education Association Instruction and Professional Development Council from 1987-1998.
A graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA, she continued her education at Lasalle University and Villanova University, where she earned a master’s degree.
In her retirement, Jan enjoyed helping to maintain community gardens with the Garden Club of Johnstown. She was also an active member of Johnstown Art League, the oldest women’s study group in Pennsylvania. A lover of arts and culture, Jan volunteered at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in Cambria City.
Jan enjoyed traveling. She talked fondly of visits to Paris, London, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Chautauqua, NY. She especially loved her trips to Bethany Beach, DE, with annual visits there for more than thirty years. The beach was her favorite place.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hilda Pysher of Newburg, PA, her brother William Pysher, Jr. of Bethlehem, PA, and her brother Paul Pysher of Moore Township, PA.
Her daughter, Leah Spangler, and children, Will, Hayden, and Liza, will carry on her memory. Jan is also survived by great-grandchildren Quinn, Rory, and Jrue Spangler, son-in-law Edward Dreikorn III, sisters-in-law Amy Pysher and Karen Pysher, nephews Steve, Paul and Sean Pysher, and niece Christine Eshbach.
Jan was well cared for by her family and close friend Maureen Kimlin. The family thanks the staff of McCollough Place, Laurel View Village Skilled Nursing, and Conemaugh Hospital for their excellent, compassionate support of her in her later years.
For those wishing to remember Jan, contributions may be offered in her honor to the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 3rd Avenue, Johnstown, PA, 15906. A celebration of life will be held in January 2025.