Janet Springfield, Former Teacher at Underwood, Dies at 69

Obituary via Eaton Funeral Home:

Janet K. (Kornmeyer) Springfield, of Newton Centre, a retired math and science teacher at Underwood School in Newton, passed away on August 14, 2015 due to complications after pancreatic surgery. She was 69.

Janet grew up in Boonville, New York, where her mother was her English teacher and her aunt was her history teacher. She received her undergraduate degree from Buffalo State University, where she was an active member of Delta Sigma Upsilon sorority, and received her graduate degree in biology from Michigan State University. Previous to teaching in Newton, Janet taught biology and earth science at Quincy High School for 16 years. She taught at the Underwood School for over 20 years and was instrumental in developing the outdoor classroom to encourage learning about plants and the natural world. In addition to teaching, she loved the outdoors, athletics, exploring nature and travelling. She travelled in China several times, toured New Zealand, and saw the northern lights in Sweden. She also visited Spain, Great Britain, and took a river cruise through central Europe.

After retirement, Janet became active in the Newton Community Farm, the Garden in the Woods, and worked the polls for the Newton Election Commission. She also belonged to several quilting organizations, and used her love of quilting to introduce geometry to her students. She was an avid photographer, and loved to take pictures of plants, insects as well as people.

She is survived by her husband John Springfield, her daughter Kate St. Laurent and her husband Daryl of Somerville, her daughter Anne Springfield and her fiancé Aaron Berdofe of Minneapolis MN, her sister Barbara Bradish and her husband Mike of Lyons Falls NY. She is also survived by 3 nieces, a nephew and numerous cousins.

Janet was a natural teacher, respected by all those whose lives she touched. Her true spirit showed through her curiosity about the natural world, and she used her enthusiasm to inspire others to learn. She loved people, and getting to know everyone’s story.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home 465 Centre St. Newton Corner on Mon Aug 17 from 4-8 PM. Interment services will be private. A gathering to celebrate Janet’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Janet may be made to www.newenglandwild.org