Janet G. Walczak

Janet (Gegler) Walczak, 84, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026. Born on January 5, 1942, in Little Falls, New York, she was the beloved daughter of Forbes “Forbie” and Bernice “Bess” Gegler, longtime residents of Herkimer, NY, both of whom predeceased her.

A proud graduate of Herkimer High School, Janet began her working life at Marine Midland Bank in Herkimer before marrying her high school sweetheart, Jerry Walczak. Together they shared 25 years of marriage and raised their four daughters in a warm and happy home in Dolgeville, New York. Though their marriage later ended, Janet and Jerry remained lifelong friends, and he continued to generously support and care for her, especially as her health declined.

As her family grew, Janet embraced many roles throughout her life. She served as Town Clerk in Dolgeville and worked at Snyder’s Pharmacy, where she formed lifelong friendships she treasured deeply, especially to this day with Karen Snyder. Determined and driven, she returned to school after raising her children and earned a degree in business from Herkimer Community College. She later founded her own small business, Vintage Shades, creating beautifully antiqued Victorian-style lamp shades that reflected her creativity, eye for detail, and love of timeless beauty. She also shared her decorating talents while working at Joe Tahan’s and Grace Furniture, where she formed many cherished friendships.

Janet was a lifelong Catholic whose faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. Rooted in the example of her grandmother, Emila (Rudowcuskie) Goodrich of Fort Plain, NY, her devotion carried her through many serious health challenges and brought her lasting peace and strength in her later years. She found comfort in prayer and in attending Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Dolgeville and later at Holy Family Parish in Little Falls. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to her faith community and to Father Slezak for their kindness, care, and support.

Janet lived a full and creative life. She was a daughter, wife, mother, sister, caretaker, babysitter, loyal friend, and the organizer of countless holiday and Saturday family gatherings. Of all the roles she held, the ones she cherished most were being “Mom” and gardener. Whether growing vegetables to feed her family or nurturing her beautiful flower beds, she found deep peace with her hands in the soil.

She was endlessly creative and fearless in making things beautiful. Janet crocheted delicate doilies, crafted intricate macramé plant hangers, sewed clothing and drapes, canned food from her gardens, reupholstered furniture, stripped and restored woodwork, and helped transform her home into a warm and beautiful showcase—all while making it seem effortless. Her hands were rarely still, and she never stopped creating.

Janet was also a survivor and a fighter. Through illness and hardship, she carried a quiet strength, resilience, and determination, always finding a way to rise again. That strength lives on in her daughters and grandchildren.

Above all, Janet’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She is survived by her four daughters: Renee Pirone (Donald) of Little Falls, NY; Jeanine Mosher (Kurt) of Richmond, KY; Deanne Walczak of Westchester, NY; and Sandra Christensen (Mark) of Poughquag, NY.

She was a devoted grandmother to Ryan Mosher, Kimberly Heilman (Andrew), Olivia Pirone, Christina Pirone, and Cole Christensen, and a proud great-grandmother to Clara Jane and Piper Rae Heilman, who brought her immense joy.

She was predeceased by her parents and by her brother, Forbie James “Jimmy” Gegler. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and former in-laws from whom she never fully separated, all of whom she loved dearly.

Janet also leaves behind her beloved “fifth daughter,” Colleen Lynch, whose generous care, friendship, and support meant so much during the final years of her life. Janet was further loved and cared for the last two years of her life by a number of special, dedicated nurses and caretakers at Alpine Nursing and Rehab for whom Janet’s daughters are immensely grateful, especially her long time buddy Yolanda with whom she had a special bond from day one, as well as her friend and roommate, Gaye Dawson.

Calling hours will be held Friday, May 29th, 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Enea Family Funeral Home in Little Falls, NY. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 30th, at Our Lady of Hope Church, 115 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY. Hymns to start at 12:45pm followed by the Funeral Mass at 1:00pm.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 823-2424.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.eneafamily.com on the internet.