Saint Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church Member Janet Nelch Dies at 85

Janet Elaine Nelch, who passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 85, lived a life marked by service and compassion. Born on March 14, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois, she graduated from Lanphier High School in 1958, where she served as Secretary of the Senior Class. Her early career included work with the Franciscan Sisters at St. John’s Hospital and a position with the Illinois State Department of Commerce before earning a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Eastern Illinois University.

Janet’s dedication to education and guidance led her to teach English at Calhoun High School in Hardin, Illinois, where she was named Teacher of the Year in 1974-75. As students sought her counsel, she pursued a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Southern Illinois University/Edwardsville. Her commitment to helping others eventually led her to Florida, where she became a Guidance Counselor and Department Chairman at Springstead High School in Spring Hill, Florida. She later served for 11 years at Gulf Middle School in New Port Richey, FL, earning multiple honors for her work.

After retiring in 2002, Janet continued to fight a courageous battle with cancer, which was initially diagnosed in 2001. Despite being told her condition would progress within two years, she remained in remission until 2019 when the cancer spread to her pancreas. She endured further surgeries and radiation treatments as it spread to her lungs and second rib. Throughout her illness, Janet maintained a positive outlook, never asking, “Why me?”

Janet was deeply involved in community service, particularly through the Caladesi Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Dunedin, Florida. Her passion for literacy and children led her to chair the Literacy Committee and develop a program with Head Start children that earned state and national recognition. She also served as Chapter Librarian, securing genealogy book donations for the Dunedin Public Library.

A member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church in Dunedin, Janet served on the Parish Council. She expressed gratitude to Fr. Bob Swick, Candy Christensen-Barker, and the parish members for their prayers and support. Her life reflected a commitment to love, service, and advocacy, aligning with the Old Catholic Church’s emphasis on community and care for the marginalized. Her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the values she upheld.

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