Janet E. Sorg

Janet E. Sorg, affectionately known as Jan, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at the age of 100, after living a full and amazing life. Born on October 6, 1925 in Clyde, Ohio, she was the eldest of five children in the family of Urban and Carrie (Gropp) Bruggeman. Janet’s journey began in Fremont, where she was raised and graduated from St. Joseph’s Fremont High School.

Following her high school years, she ventured to Toledo with aspirations of becoming a nurse. In 1946, she proudly graduated as a registered nurse from St. Vincent’s nursing program. Then in 1947, she married James Sorg, marking the beginning of a beautiful partnership. Their first home was in Dayton; however, they soon settled in West Toledo on Berkeley Drive in early 1951, where they raised their seven children.

Jan was not only a devoted mother but also a warm-hearted figure in the community, always opening her home to neighborhood children. Her activities ranged from holding Cub Scout meetings in the basement to tending to the minor injuries of her kids and their friends that included applying butterfly bandages to their cuts and scrapes. The dining room table was always ready for one more, and the Sorg household became known for its legendary gatherings.

A devoted Catholic, Janet’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of St. Agnes Parish, which later transitioned to St. Catherine’s after St. Agnes was closed. Her nursing career continued at St. Vincent’s Hospital, where she worked until her retirement. Afterward, Janet and Jim embraced retirement with enthusiasm, traveling to destinations across Europe, Alaska, California, and Hawaii, as well as enjoying shorter trips to Michigan and Maine.

Janet was a resident at Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, having moved there in 2019 after more than 67 years in her Berkeley Drive home. Just four months prior to her passing, she celebrated her milestone birthday with a grand party surrounded by four generations of her family.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Jim, who passed away in 2013, as well as her brothers Arthur and James Bruggeman, sister Doris Shriver, and grandson Kurt Michalski. Janet is survived by her seven devoted children: Ed Sorg (Kathy), Ron Sorg (Susan), Steve Sorg (Tammy), Nancy Sorg, Becky Collins (Jack), Jenny Shepler (Bob), and Tom Sorg (Melissa). Her cherished legacy includes 17 grandchildren, over a dozen great-grandchildren, and a few great-great-grandchildren. Janet is also survived by her sister Carolyn Georgic.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Heather and the dedicated care team at Browning Masonic Community, as well as the staff from Residential Home Health and Hospice, particularly Tammy and Jenna, for their compassionate care and support during Janet's final months.

A visitation in honor of Janet will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, Northwest Toledo, located at 4150 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH.  At 5:00 p.m., we will be having a rosary and special Nurses Honor Guard tribute. A second visitation will follow on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Catherine of Siena, 4555 N Haven Ave, Toledo, OH, immediately preceding her funeral mass that will begin at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations on behalf of Jan go to your charity of choice. 

Jan’s life was a testament to love, faith, and family, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.