Janet Diethelm Murtagh

Janet Diethelm Murtagh passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017 in her home. She was born on January 2, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to Dr. Martin and Ethel Diethelm. Janet graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1948. She attended Mount St. Vincent College, Riverdale, N.Y. for two years and graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Education degree. Janet taught at Burroughs and Grove Patterson Elementary Schools. She married James J. Murtagh Sr. in 1956 and they celebrated 54 years together. Jim and Janet shared a loving relationship and were devoted to their four children and eight grandchildren. Janet spent much of her life in service to others. She dedicated many hours to Girl Scout Troop 282, Gesu Elementary School, St. Ursula Academy, St. Francis de Sales High School, and St. Vincent Medical Center. She enjoyed swimming, tennis, and ice skating. Janet cherished many summers at her family cottage on Lake Erie. “Googoo,” as she was fondly known, was a constant presence at her grandchildren’s activities and performances. Janet was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and Junior League of Toledo. She was a lifelong member of the Inverness Club and Toledo Club. For over 75 years, she was an active parishioner of the Gesu Catholic community. She is survived by her children, Dr. James J. Murtagh, Jr. and Dr. Rebecca Blackington, Judy (Stan) Schulz, Jean (Mark) Hillman, and Joyce (Dr. John) Stengle; her grandchildren, Katie Rose and Peter Schulz, James, Grace, and Mark Hillman, Janet, Julia, and Jenna Stengle; her sister-in-law, Joanne Murtagh, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Murtagh; her parents, Dr. Martin and Ethel Diethelm; her sisters Dr. Joan D. Inglis and Marcia D. Werner; and brothers and sisters-in-law Donald Werner, William Murtagh, Eileen and George Korhumel, and Alma and James Kenney. A Memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be held Wednesday, June 28 at Gesu Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd. at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ursuline Sisters, 4045 Indian Rd., in honor of Sr. Victoria Bartley, OSU, St. Ursula Academy, 4025 Indian Rd., or to a charity of the donor’s choice.