Janet Stevens

Janet Marie (Martens) Stevens, 62, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born on July 23, 1961, in Cumberland, she was the daughter of Nancy (Baker) Martens and the late Carl Martens. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Stevens, in 2020; son, Alex Stevens, in 2017; father-in-law, Arthur Stevens; and mother-in-law, Kathryn (Wonn) Stevens.

She was a 1979 graduate from Beall High School and a 1983 graduate of Frostburg State University. She received a Master's Degree from Frostburg State University, as well.

Janet was a band director and worked at several schools in Allegany County, including Mount Savage Middle School, Westmar Middle School, and Bruce High School, where she touched innumerable lives through music. She always looked forward to spending time with her team and teaching her small group lessons. Janet was very proud of all of her ensembles, and particularly enjoyed creating the Mount Savage Percussion Ensemble.

Towards the end of her career in education, Janet obtained her realtor license. She was known as a kind and honest realtor who helped people find homes in Maryland and Pennsylvania. One of her greatest joys was finding the perfect home for a potential buyer.

Janet was a member of Frostburg United Methodist Church, where she participated in the Chancel Choir, the Handbell Choir, and the Wind Ensemble.

An incredibly talented musician, Janet performed in the Frostburg Arion Band, Potomac Concert Band, and Potomac State College Community Concert Band. She held leadership positions in the bands throughout her career. Janet was an accomplished organist and served at Welsh Memorial Baptist Church for many years.

To say Janet had a passion for traveling is an understatement. Her travels took her to Ireland, England, Wales, West Germany, East Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Denmark, France, Spain, China, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, and several provinces of Canada. She also visited all but seven of the United States.

Janet took great pleasure in reading. She always had a fiction or historical fiction book handy and loved sharing her passion for reading with her children.

Janet loved flowers so she carved out time for gardening. She kept house plants year-round, and every summer she cared for many flowers and tomato plants on her front and back porches. She enjoyed the view from her house, where she could see her flowers, the mountains, and various woodland animals.

Janet valued her family above all else. She often said, "Family is everything."

She is survived by her daughter, Tristan Stevens and fiancé, Luis Samayoa, Laurel; mother, Nancy (Baker) Martens, Frostburg; brother Jim Martens and wife Carolin, Uniontown, OH; sister Julie Martens Forney and husband, John, Millersburg, PA; brother Jerry Martens and wife, Bonnie, Springfield, OH; sister Joanna Schroyer and partner, Leroy, Grantsville; nephews Jonathan Martens, Joshua Martens, Clay Martens, Levi Schroyer, Ben Schroyer; niece Samantha Martens; and special pets Xena, Cid, and Violet.

Family and friends will be received at Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave., Frostburg on Friday, July 12 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

A funeral service will be held at Frostburg United Methodist Church, 48 W. Main Street, Frostburg, on Saturday, July 13 at 12 pm with Pastor Jim Jeffries officiating. Family and friends will be received one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Eckhart Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jerry Martens, Jim Posey, Jonathan Martens, Joshua Martens, Luis Samayoa, and Parth Singh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Frostburg United Methodist Church Choir, 48 W. Main Street, Frostburg; or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family following the obituary at www.durstfuneralhome.com.