Janet Elizabeth Lerch

Janet Elizabeth Lerch

On March 4, 2019 Janet went to meet her maker at the age of 68. She was born February 28, 1951 in Alameda, Ca to August and Theresa (Ginley) Gouig. She was the youngest of her siblings Steve and Kathy.

Janet met the love of her life and husband, Val Lerch, in 1968. On March 20, 1971 Janet married Val and shortly after they moved to Long Beach, CA where he was stationed in the US Coast Guard.

Janet and Val settled in Long Beach where they raised their two children, Vicki and Tony. She was a devout catholic and sent her children to St. Athanasius Catholic School where she volunteered at the school and parish.

Janet was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2003 and lived her life to the fullest with the debilitating disease. She worked at Long Beach Memorial Breast Center for 20 plus years before she retired due to complications of MS.

Janet is survived by her husband Val Lerch; daughter Vicki Lerch; son and daughter-in-law Tony and Carrie Lerch; grandchildren Tori Ann, Briana and Christian; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Marsha Gouig; sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Gary Blount; 5 step-siblings and many nieces and nephews.

Janet loved children and touched the hearts and minds of many. She will be missed by all of those who felt her love and compassion. Her presence on this earth will be missed.

Her Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, March 18th at 11am at St. Cornelius Catholic Church (5500 E. Wardlow Road Long Beach, CA 90808). All family and friends are welcome to attend. The family will be hosting a reception immediately following. Please contact the family for further details.

Her ashes will be interred at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery at a later date.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401