Janet Estella Gerard

Janet E. Gerard, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Lutz, Florida, on January 24th, 2025, at the age of 96. Her passing marks the end of a long, vibrant life filled with love, resilience, and a deep connection to her family and community.

Born in Prentice, Wisconsin, on March 21st, 1928, Janet was the daughter of Charlie and Helen Hunziker. Growing up in a close-knit family, she learned early the values of hard work and care for others, traits she carried with her throughout her life. Janet married the love of her life, Albert Gerard, and together they raised a large, loving family.

Janet was known for her deep appreciation of nature, especially her flowers, which were a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Her love for the outdoors was matched only by her passion for animals—she found joy in raising and selling birds at the local flea market. In addition to her interests in flowers and birds, Janet worked in food service for many years, where she touched the lives of countless people with her kindness and dedication.

Janet’s family was the center of her world. She leaves behind her four children: Linda Hollingsworth of Acworth, Georgia, April Hunt of Tampa, Florida, Kitty (Mike) Couch of Floral City, Florida, and Bambi (Paul) Helms of Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Janet also leaves her son Randy (Louise) McPherson of Lutz, Florida to carry on her legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Albert, two sons: Charles McPherson and Rodney McPherson, and two son-in-laws: Jim Hunt and Don Hollingsworth, as well as her daughter-in-law, Cathy McPherson.

Janet’s legacy lives on through her 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her love for them was boundless, and her memory will be cherished by them for generations to come.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Glory Days, 16553 Pointe Village Drive, Florida 33558. Janet’s family thanks all who knew and loved her for their support and kindness during this time.

Though Janet has passed from this life, her spirit will live on in the many memories she created with those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her love of nature, her dedication to family, and her gentle spirit will continue to inspire and comfort those she leaves behind. She will be missed, but never forgotten.