JANET M. McINERNEY

JANUARY 7, 1942 - JUNE 14, 2026

McInerney(nee Schroeder)

Janet McInerney, a devoted educator who taught Allied Health Studies to thousands of medical assistants at Delaware Valley Academy of Medical and Dental Assistants in Northeast Philadelphia for 40 years, died peacefully on June 14, 2026.

Janet was the beloved wife of the late Leo F., and the loving mother of Heather (the late Timothy Jr.) Foor. She was the dear sister of Karen Slimm and is also survived by many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Janet grew up in Maple Shade, NJ, near her grandparents' home, both places she remembered with great affection. She and her sister spent happy days playing among the gardens, fishpond, and fruit trees. From her grandmother, a professional seamstress, she learned to cook, bake, and sew, while her mother modeled the strength of a full-time working woman.

As a teen, Janet's family moved to Haddonfield, NJ, where she rode her bike, worked at Woolworth, and graduated from high school. She credited a teacher with encouraging her to apply to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) certified laboratory technician train-to-work program, a step that helped shape her life's work.

With courage and determination, Janet moved to a University City apartment to train and work in HUP Pepper Labs for two years. She continued studying in the evening division of the University of Pennsylvania while working full-time at Smith Kline & French Labs. Awarded a competitive Smith Kline scholarship, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology at Rutgers University Camden in 1968. Janet went on to contribute to meaningful microbiology research at Smith Kline, including the Rubella vaccine.

Romance blossomed at Smith Kline when Janet met Leo, her beloved husband of 55 years. After their daughter was born, Janet devoted herself to family life, caring for her daughter, her mother-in-law, and their home. She also volunteered at Our Lady of Ransom Parish school and made treasured summer memories at the local Philadelphia pool.

Janet worked nights teaching at Delaware Valley Academy of Medical and Dental Assistants (DVA), and began teaching full-time when her daughter attended high school. Over a span of 40 years, she served in countless roles, writing curriculum, directing faculty, and teaching with patience, knowledge, and dedication. She prepared thousands of medical assistants for careers throughout Northeast Philadelphia and Lower Bucks County, leaving a lasting mark on both her students and the patients they went on to serve.

Faith and music were important parts of Janet's early life in Haddonfield.  She sang in the choir at Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church, served as a Parish Ecumenical Representative and organized annual blood drives, offering her time and care to the wider community.

Janet and Leo enjoyed many simple pleasures together. They were season ticket holders at the Walnut Street Theater and delighted in British comedies and murder mysteries on WHYY. Janet limited Leo's summer TV to the Phillies, and she enjoyed adapting tips and recipes from her Saturday lineup of favorite cooking shows.

Janet will be remembered for her intelligence, quiet strength, generosity, and deep devotion to her family, students, faith, and community. She will be dearly missed by her immediate family, her cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Janet's viewing on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at St. Jerome Church, 8100 Colfax St., Philadelphia, PA 19136. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janet's memory to Rutgers University Camden Bridging the Gap.

Checks Payable to:

Rutgers University Foundation

PO Box 193

New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0193