Janis Pfister

Janis Pfister of Glen Ellyn passed away from cancer on January 29, 2025. Janis was the wife of Jerry Pfister; mother of Caroline Shields (Brian), Charlie Pfister (Nell), and the late Robbie Pfister (Keriann); and Nana of Nora, George, and Samantha Shields, and Louisa Pfister. Devoted daughter of the late Glen & Olga Schaaf, she was the sister of Nancy Williams (Mark) and the late Glen Schaaf (Betsy).

Janis attended Miami University and National Louis University Graduate School. She taught at Amity Elementary in Cincinnati, and at Ben Franklin, Lincoln, and Churchill elementary schools in Glen Ellyn as both a teacher and a literacy specialist. She was an active board member and volunteer tutor at the Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center.

She was a bright light in this world, with a warm and generous spirit. Her optimism and sparkle were contagious. She made every occasion feel special. She certainly knew her way around the kitchen, making birthday cakes, pies, and even selling her shortbread cookies at Spice ’n Easy, a downtown Glen Ellyn staple in the 90’s. 

She loved to read, spend time with her family, take trips to her favorite spots in Michigan, work on creative projects, and make a home feel special. She truly delighted in life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center. https://www.gecrc.com/

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church in Glen Ellyn on Sunday, February 23rd at 1pm; a local celebration of life will be held in the afternoon for friends and family.