Janet R. Beanland, 80, of Cambridge Springs, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020, at Meadville Medical Center due to complications from COVID-19. Janet was born on March 27, 1940, in Meadville, the daughter of the late James and Reba (Devore) Beanland. She was a 1958 graduate of Cambridge Springs Joint High School and attended Orra Jean Beauty Academy. She was employed with numerous beauty salons in Erie and Meadville and eventually 
opened her own shop on Main Street in Cambridge Springs. She was later employed by Spectrum Control in Saegertown, Ogden Industries in Edinboro, and finally, had worked at the READ Program in Meadville. At the age of eighteen, Janet joined the Order of the Eastern Star, Cambridge Springs and currently attended Eastern Star, chapter 44, Meadville where she had held offices both locally and state-wide. As an active participant in the Cambridge Springs Historical Society, Janet often hosted history night by presenting a wealth of historical information pertaining to the Cambridge Springs area.? Janet, always willing to offer a helping hand, was a social and caring person who had many friends.? Her passions included church, music and having lunch with friends. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Cambridge Springs, where she had taught children in Sunday school and was the choir director for many years. She had played flute in the Cambridge Springs Community Orchestra and sang with the Justified by Faith choir under the leadership of Nancy Jo Ralph.
Survivors include sister, Patricia Beanland Porter of Saegertown; nephew, Travis Porter (Staci) of Cambridge Springs; nephew, Justin Porter, of Cambridge Springs; great-nephews, Wesley and Mason Porter, of Cambridge Springs; great-niece, Paige Porter, of Cambridge Springs; dear friend, Nancy Brown and her family of Cambridge Springs; and several cousins.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at Van Matre Funeral Home, Cambridge Springs with interment in Cambridge Cemetery to follow. A memorial service will be held on March 27, 2021.
Memorials may be made to Cambridge Springs Historical Society.
Memories flood my mind and heart as this dear cousin is now in God’s glorious Heaven. She was my Sunday School teacher and youth leader during my teenage years. She planned retreats for our group to the Peninsula, Niagara Falls, and many interesting places. My favorite memory is a winter retreat where I went ice skating for the first time using skates that may have been hers or Patty’s. Summer family picnics at her house were fun with a yard filled with outdoor games. Croquet being a favorite. In later years when coming home I looked forward to the Christmas cantata’s at First Baptist which she directed. She styled my hair for all the special social events in my teenage years. She used her gifts to serve the Lord and bring joy to others. She is with our Savior now!
Dear Patricia. I had Janet as a patient for a number of years. I was heartbroken to learn of her passing. She was always a pleasure to see in the office. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sorry for your loss, Patty.
As I did not know her, still a loss for your family.
Dear Patty and Family, My mother, Emma Gazdick, was one of Janet’s dear Eastern Star friends. They spent years traveling across Pennsylvania to meetings, etc. as well as Europe, cruises and more. Janet was often a guest in our home. I have known her for over 50 years and she was always one of my favorite friends. Who could not love Janet !?!? She and I shared a love of Cape May and talked about it every time we saw each other or were on the phone. Janet was a very special person and her obituary tells just how giving and loving she was. She could tell a story or joke like no one I know. She was always the hit of a party and kept everyone happy and laughing. She lived a full life and always made the best of circumstances. But, it was far too soon for her life to end, especially this way. She will be so missed by everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Rest in peace Janet — I know you are in a better place, probably surrounded by all your treasured OES friends. In love and sympathy, Nora Dilks and family
Janet’s family, So sorry for the loss of Janet. I enjoyed going to dinner with her & several of the Ogden girls every month. She always had a great story to tell us. So full of fun & laughter. Going to miss her along with a lot of other friends. Won’t be the same without her. My thoughts & prayers are with all her family.
Janet is a Cambridge Springs treasure. She will be missed.