Janet Z Bermann

Janet Zolan Bermann, (1931-2022) Long time Glen Ellyn resident passed away peacefully on March 30.

Preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, William E. Bermann. She is the loving sister of Sue Zolan Keen, Mobile, AL. Cherished mother of Robert (Ellen) Bermann of Mooresville, NC, Bruce (Nancy) Bermann, Wauconda, IL, Jane (Patrick) McGrath Lisle, IL. 

Loving grandmother of 10- Michael (Ryan) McGrath, Jeffrey (Randi) McGrath, Lindsey (Shayne) Pekala, Hannah (Dan) DeStio, Patrick McGrath, Karl Bermann, Hans Bermann, Max Bermann, Mark McGrath and Jay McGrath and great grandmother of 6 (Hunter, Landon, Sophie, Hudson, Henry and Cameron).

Jan grew up in Downers Grove and graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1949 with Phi Beta Kappa Honors.

She met her love, Bill Bermann, at Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL.  She didn’t finish her degree at Monmouth because she and Bill married. Bill had been drafted into the Army because of the Korean War andthey moved to Baltimore to start their life.

Bill and Jan built their home on Joyce Court in 1966 and lived there more than 50 years where they raised their three children.  When other people were downsizing or moving to Florida, they decided to keep their roots in Glen Ellyn to enjoy time with their neighbors, friends, family and to travel more.

Jan and Bill loved to travel and saw most of the world. Their adventures include trips to Australia, Kenya, the Galapagos Islands, Russia, China and most of Europe.  Some of Jan’s favorite moments were the grand vacations with her complete family including Sanibel Island, the Canadian Rockies, Cancun and a Caribbean Cruise.

Jan went back to school while her kids were young and graduated from Elmhurst College with a degree in Education and received her master’s degree from Louis University.

Mrs. Bermann enjoyed teaching grades 3, 4 and 5 at Glen Ellyn’s Church and Lincoln Schools. She taught many years and left a legacy in her students as evidenced by them showing up unannounced years later.

Jan was an active member of many organizations over the years including The First Congregational Church, Bridge Communities, Firma Foundation, Red Hats Society, Gardening Club, PEO Chapter JK, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Morton Arboretum.  She had season tickets to the Lyric Opera, Wheaton College’s Artist’s Series, Drury Lane Theater and enjoyed the COD Performing Arts Center.

She enjoyed her book club, bridge group, and she had a passion for gardening.  Jan spent hours caring for her lush landscape including the planning and care of many unique plant species that she loved sharing with friends.

Jan embraced life, friends and family; it was a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FCCGE Endowment Fund, First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn or  Morton Arboretum Tribute Gifts page. Select "Other Amount" when giving.

A Memorial Service is planned for Friday, April 8th at 11:00 at the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn 

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