Janet Doerr is vivacious and kind. She is inclined toward caring for others and is often seen wearing a big, beautiful smile. Janet was born on February 25, 1945 and grew up in La Mesa, California. She was raised by two wonderful parents and grew up with one brother and a sister, who she loved dearly. She was used to being around many people from a young age, as her father and uncle were baseball players. Her father played in the Pacific Coast League and had the opportunity to play in professional leagues, but chose to stay closer to his family. Her uncle did choose to play professionally and played in the very first Padre game. Janet loved baseball and being around people, thus inspiring her career in working with them. Janet decided to become a nurse.

Upon graduating from high school, Janet spent some time at the University of Oregon and transferred to San Diego State University. She graduated with a degree in nursing and began to work at Grossmont Hospital on the surgical floor. She loved working with her patients there and did so for eleven years. At one point, she decided to try something different and step away from the hospital environment, and moved to San Francisco. She stopped practicing as a nurse for eleven years and explored other options, but eventually decided that she needed to return to her vocation. She took a refresher course and ended up working at a youth guidance center, commonly known as juvenile hall. She thoroughly enjoyed making a difference for young people who had a rough start in life and found a sense of purpose in her work. She did this and was able to work with many young individuals in learning how to live a better, happier life. After six years, she moved on to work at a public health clinic, working with victims of AIDS at a time when it was considered a terminal condition. She remained there for twelve years and retired at the age of 55, having touched the lives of countless individuals.

Outside of her exciting line of work, Janet expressed an interest in seeing the world and learning about the people in it. She experienced the joys of marriage and was able to help raise 4 beautiful stepdaughters. She also made sure to make time for her nieces and nephews, who she adores. Janet loved traveling and spent time in the Yucatan Peninsula, seeing and climbing up the ruins at Chichen Itza, visited France and London, and was even able to visit Palestine.

Throughout her life, Janet has always been an entertainer. In her free time, Janet loved jazzercising, belly dancing and singing in the church choir. She was married to a wonderful painter and was even the subject of several paintings. Janet loves being creative herself and likes to crochet beautiful crafts for others. Today, Janet can be found out and about on outings, playing a heated game of blackjack and conversing with her many friends in the community. Janet expressed that she loves and appreciates everyone around her. When asked how she was able to open up and experience so much in life, Janet shared her key in stating, “I guess I chose confidence.”