Janis “Jan” Root Hrutkay Obituary (1948 - 2022)

Janis "Jan" Root Hrutkay, 73, of Erie, PA passed away on February 17th, 2022. Janis is predeceased by her parents, Rosa and Harold Root. Jan attended Edinboro University where she earned her degree in teaching, and later her master's in education. Jan retired from McGuffey School District after a thirty-five-year career. During that time, she developed many friendships including, The Lunch Bunch, that turned into lifelong friends. A vibrant mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she possessed boundless positive energy and a genuine interest in giving and teaching. She would correct any friend's (or stranger's) grammar with a warm smile and typically an ingenious tip on how to remember it in the future. Never insulting but always teaching. Her door was always open and every person and hobby she encountered was met with relentless love and curiosity. With any mishap, small or large, she would calmly and stoically find a solution. She was a safe place to go for help, guidance, or just a laugh. Surviving are Hilary and Stephanie Hrutkay, Tony, Alexa, and Jack Gaglione, Sharon and Blaine Fassette, Harold and Roberta Root, and Marilyn and Will Cantrell. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jan's life, donations may be made to the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases or Spastic Paraplegia Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Harborcreek.