Janet Zaharias, 65, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 12, 2026. She was born February 16, 1961, in Pella, IA, to the late George Weigel and Naomi Carolyn (Shannon) Yeaney. Janet graduated from Wheeler High School in 1979. She was a member of St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church where she had served on the church council. Janet was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who adored caring for her family. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, going hiking, and taking walks with her husband, even if he could hardly keep up. Janet had an adventurous spirit, a gentle demeanor, and kind heart. She remained tough in the face of adversity, all while keeping a beautiful, contagious smile on her face. Janet will be deeply missed by her beloved family. May her memory be eternal.
On October 9, 1982, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Janet married the love of her life, John Zaharias, who survives, along with their children: Nicholas (Jillian) Zaharias, Stephanie (Tabitha) Callahan, and Kenin (Kevin) King; grandchildren: Carter, Scarlett, Kaliope, Ian, Arya, and Julia; and brothers: Joe Weigel and Gerald (Susan) Weigel. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, June Scott.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN, with a trisagion service beginning at 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church, 36 W. 700 N., Valparaiso, IN. Burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund.
GUESTBOOK
John, Condolences to you and your family over your loss of Janet. Sincerely, -Mark and Mary Ennes
I’m very sorry for your loss. Jan was a wonderful neighbor and friend. -Sue Hudson
May her memory be eternal. I am so sorry John. May God be with you and your family, always. -Betty (Malamatos / Gorman)
Love never dies. Jan's love for you and your family is everlasting. We will cherish the memories of times we had together. -Ron and Debra Veatch
Our condolences to the Zaharias family. You're in our thoughts. -Eric and Cathy Ellis
