Janis Saltzman Sherr was born on July 17, 1940 and passed away on September 13, 2001, at the age of 61.  Her daughter, Cindy Sherr, in March of 2011, informed us that Janis died of ovarian cancer.  She married Alan Sherr in 1962 and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1963, having studied to become a teacher.

Janis was the proud mother of three children: Cindy, who graduated from SLP High School in 1983, and the University of Wisconsin in 1987, then the University of Miami School of Law in 1990; Carol Sherr, who graduated from SLP High School in 1985 and the University of Florida in Business-Finance in 1989; and Michael Sherr, who graduated from the University of Florida in 1985 in Marketing.

Janis was a stay-at-home mom when her children were small, and an active member of the St. Louis Park community.  She was active in the Manor Tones (a singing group), was a girl scout leader, and a parent-contributor to the schools in which her children were enrolled.  In fact, she was a substitute teacher in St. Louis Park High School from time to time.  As her children grew, Janis used her extra time to become a licensed real estate agent and property manager in both Minnesota and in Florida.

Janis and her husband, Alan, and family, permanently relocated to South Florida in 1985 and were married for 39 years before her death, which occurred just two days after the 911 attack on the World Trade Towers in New York City.  Janis fought ovarian cancer for 20 months and never gave up.  Her daughter, Cindy, describes her mother as "someone who was always bigger and louder than life itself."  "Janis was a fantastic teacher, mother, role model and my best friend," said Cindy.  Cindy added, "The world is a much quieter place since the cancer got the better of Janis Saltzman Sherr."

We recall that in high school Janis Saltzman was one of the most unabashed commentators on what was going on that we have ever known, based on events that unfolded in the classes that we took with Janis.  She was loud, and she could be critical.  But we saw in her someone that cemented in us a clearer understanding that in a democracy we ought not hold back our feelings.  If something is wrong, we ought to proclaim it is wrong, and not be ashamed to say so.  Janis was a most interesting lady! 

We would appreciate additional information about Janis Saltzman.  If you knew Janis, and have knowledge about her life that you would share with us, we would ask you to use the "Post Comment" button at the bottom of this page and make your comments.  We will use them to update this "In Memory" statement about Janis Saltzman.  Thank you.