Janet Gleason White - Obituary

anet Gleason White, 75, passed away on February 11, 2025. At the time of her death, Janet was doing one of the things that she enjoyed the most. She was on a Caribbean cruise with her sister, Diane, and four of her close friends, her Alpha Xi Delta sorority sisters. Janet lost the love of her life, Bob White, who predeceased her in 2023 after 46 years of marriage. Janet was the eldest of seven children: Diane Gleason (Stotesbury), Susan Gleason (Cady), Stephen Gleason, Richard Gleason, Catherine Gleason (Hollis), and Mark Gleason. Her parents, Lt. Col. James Gleason and Rosemary Gleason predeceased Janet. Janet was educated at public schools in Oxon Hill, Maryland and graduated from Oxon Hill Senior High School. She then earned a bachelor degree in education from Frostburg State College and a Masters degree in special education from Bowie State College. She taught in Maryland public schools for more than 30 years. Janet was an enthusiastic, dedicated, and talented teacher who touched the lives of all of her students. Janet continued to work with children, tutoring them for many years after her retirement. Janet was as devout Catholic and was active as a member of her church, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Clinton, MD. At the time of her death, she was teaching CCD classes regularly for the children at her church. Janet had many and varied interests. She loved to travel, especially with family, her husband, and her beloved sorority sisters. She loved to read and belonged to two book clubs. She and her husband Bob acted in local community theater, including the Port Tobacco Players. Janet and Bob were not blessed with children of their own, but they loved and were part of the lives of their 15 nieces and nephews. She was our sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, friend, and a fellow child of Christ. Hers was a life of service and inclusion. At 75 years of age, she was more active and had a more vibrant social calendar than many at half her age. She was an advocate for learning and had more than three decades of experience as an educator. She was a spokesperson for MS, organizing and participating in many activities to make progress toward a cure. She was a caregiver and home nurse to her husband Bob. With her siblings, she demonstrated what it means to be a loving, devoted daughter when her mother needed her. Janet was the glue that held family and friends together; it was mostly due to her efforts that so many memories were made that we now cherish. From charity events to sorority trips, from family gatherings to Mass, from birthdays to book club, Janet made sure everyone felt included and welcome. Her home and heart were always open. While we are missing her, many are celebrating her arrival in Heaven. Janet will be remembered as an energetic, very intelligent woman who came of age at a time when women in this country were second-class citizens. Janet did not accept the status quo; she always spoke her mind, advancing the dignity of everyone. Janet will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Janet, we love you. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity Janet supported: The MS Society https://donate.nationalmssociety.org Sisters of Life Annunciation 38 Montebello Rd. Suffern, NY 10901 https://sistersoflife.org/donate/ Relatives and friends are invited to Janet's Memorial Gathering on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Ave, Clinton, MD 20735. Inurnment will be private.