Janet Elizabeth Smolinski

Janet Elizabeth Smolinski (nee Stivarius), 82, of Severna Park, Maryland passed

away peacefully on November 26, 2023. Janet is survived by her husband of 59

years, Gerald, sons James (Ann) and Matthew (Meighan), and two grandchildren

Brendan and Catie Smolinski.

Jan was raised in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, along with her older sister Jane, by their

parents Dorothy and Alvin Stivarius. Upon graduation from Elkhorn High School,

she moved to Baltimore, MD to study nursing at Johns Hopkins University, where

she met her husband Gerald. She and Gerald remained in the Baltimore Area to

raise their family. Jan later attended Bowie State University, receiving a master’s

degree in Social Work.

Janet was a warm and kind person who saw the best in others. She most enjoyed

being an involved parent and grandmother. She loved dogs and traveling. She

visited all 50 states, six continents, and more than 20 countries. Her most notable

artistic outlet was quilting where she had the reputation of gifting her family and

friends with beautiful samples of her work. After retiring, she volunteered for

events such as First Night Annapolis and in her daughter-in-law, Ann’s

prekindergarten classroom. Janet was an avid reader and enjoyed the symphony,

theatre, swimming, and Tai Chi. Her health began to decline during the COVID-19

pandemic closure.

A memorial service will be held April 20, 2024 in celebration of her life and her

love