Janet (Bartholomai) Whittaker

Janet (Bartholomai) Whittaker, 72, of Scottdale, passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a long, hard-fought, and courageous battle with endometrial cancer.

Born to John R. "Shine" and Ewaldina (Kosisko) Bartholomai, Janet lived a life defined by love, generosity, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, laughter, and selflessness that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Janet is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, Mark Whittaker; her daughter, Megan, and son-in-law, Kayne; and the light of her life, her cherished granddaughter, Hartley, affectionately known to Janet as her "Hun Bun." Their bond was truly special, filled with countless adventures, shopping trips, laughter, and memories that Hartley will treasure forever. She is also survived by her two devoted grand-dogs, Bella and Jazzi, who brought her much joy and companionship.

She is also lovingly remembered by her special niece, Nadene Copeland, and Bill Kozak, who stood faithfully by her side throughout her treatment and final days, offering endless support, comfort, and love. Janet was grateful for the encouragement of her niece Heather Chicotella, who checked on her throughout her illness and offered uplifting words when needed. She is further survived by her beloved and thoughtful great-nieces, Rilynn and Alexis Copeland.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her nephew and godson, Jeremy Copeland.

A 1971 graduate of Geibel Catholic High School, Janet began pursuing her passion for helping others at just 17 years old when she attended the School of Certified Laboratory Assistants at Westmoreland Hospital, graduating with the Class of 1971-1972. She dedicated 44 years of service to laboratory medicine before her retirement, working in numerous departments throughout Westmoreland Hospital's laboratory while also taking on additional responsibilities preparing for inspections and ensuring everything ran smoothly. She also lent her expertise to Latrobe and Frick Hospitals whenever extra help was needed. Janet's willingness to step in wherever she was needed reflected the generous spirit that defined every aspect of her life.

Janet's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. She cherished yearly girls' trips with Megan and Hartley, creating traditions and memories that became treasured highlights of every summer. She enjoyed lunches with her former lab friends known as “The Golden Girls,” exciting trips to Las Vegas, and frequent casino adventures with her dear friend Michelle, where a quick visit often turned into an all-night adventure filled with laughter and stories.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Janet dedicated countless hours volunteering at St. John's Byzantine Catholic Church, where she faithfully served as a member and former vice president of the Altar Society. She also devoted her time to supporting Hartley's school events, always finding ways to volunteer, help, and give to children and families in need. Volunteering at Hartley’s school is where she met another grandma, Jhana, and they instantly clicked and became the best duo and shortest/longest friends as they liked to call each other.

Janet had a heart that knew no limits. She was always willing to lend a hand, offer encouragement, stand up for those she loved, and put the needs of others before her own. If you needed someone in your corner, Janet was there. She loved deeply, fiercely, and unconditionally.

She was also known for her adventurous spirit and zest for life. Whether driving demo cars for years at the Bullskin Fair, jumping into an icy river, crossing the Loyalhanna Creek just to get the perfect picture, or setting off on a spontaneous adventure, Janet embraced life with enthusiasm, courage, and a sense of fun that inspired those around her.

Janet shared her love of music with her family, especially her daughter and granddaughter. The sounds of Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, and Bruce Springsteen provided the soundtrack to many treasured moments and created lasting connections across generations.

Though her family is heartbroken by her loss, they find comfort in the countless memories she created and the extraordinary example she set. Janet's life was a beautiful reflection of love in action—through her faith, her service, her compassion, and her unwavering dedication to family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, courage, and unconditional love that will continue to guide and inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Janet was blessed with a circle of extraordinary friends who stood faithfully by her side throughout her cancer journey. Debbie, Kathy, Brenda and Jennifer offered unwavering love, support, and companionship during some of her most difficult days. Whether accompanying her to appointments, checking in with phone calls, offering words of encouragement, or simply being there when she needed a friend, their kindness and devotion brought comfort, strength, and countless moments of laughter. Janet cherished each of them deeply and was profoundly grateful for the friendship, compassion and support they so selflessly gave. A special thank you to the entire Bahr family for their unwavering support, time, kindness, and love given to Janet and the entire family during these last couple years.

The family would also like to express their deepest appreciation to the Gynecologic Oncology Team at West Penn Hospital for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided throughout Janet's journey. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Sarah Crafton, Donna Kinzler, CRNP, and Heather E., RN, whose dedication, kindness, and genuine concern for Janet's well-being brought comfort not only to Janet but to her entire family. Their extraordinary care will never be forgotten.

Janet's family will greet friends on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM, in the Frank Kapr Funeral Home, Inc 417 Pittsburgh St. Scottdale, Pa. 15683. 

A Panachida Service will be held Monday, June 15, 2026 at 9:15AM in the Funeral Home with her Divine Liturgy to be celebrated at 10AM in  St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, Scottdale with Rev. Oleh Seremchuk, as Celebrant.

THE FUNERAL HOME DOORS WILL BE LOCKED IN BETWEEN VISITING HOURS AND WILL REOPEN AT 6PM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in Janet's name to the Evans-Krivak Gynecological Cancer Research & Education Fund in Pittsburgh. The family is especially grateful for the care and compassion shown by Dr. Krivak during Janet's cancer journey. It is their hope that contributions made in Janet's memory will help advance research, education, and support for women and families facing gynecologic cancers. 

To know Janet was to be loved by her, and that love will endure forever.
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