Obituary of Janet Putnam Morrison

Janet Morrison passed away peacefully on October 5 in her longtime home in Arlington, Virginia. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Harold and Stirling (née Milne) Morrison, Janet’s sharp mind and self confidence often came as a surprise to those who made assumptions about this former queen of the 1953 Chattanooga Cotton Ball. Janet graduated from Wellesley College and went on to work in New York and Washington.

With her former husband Morton Pomeranz, Janet raised three obstreperous boys. After the marriage ended, Janet returned to work, holding a series of increasingly responsible positions, ending her career at Sidwell Friends School. In retirement, she volunteered at her church and enjoyed her garden, her cats, reading, and occasional travel, including her memorable first trip to the Grand Canyon to celebrate her 75th birthday with family.

Survivors include her sons John Pomeranz and his wife Kathi Overton and Harold Pomeranz and his wife Danielle Pomeranz (née Zarda). Another son, Matthew Pomeranz, predeceased Janet and is survived by his widow Leilani Kiyabu Pomeranz.

A funeral service will be held on November 18 at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4250 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Peter’s Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Cancer Society.