Janna Murr

Janna Karina Murr, 67, passed away peacefully at home in Parkville on February 26 surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Peter S. Murr of Parkville. Janna was the loving mother of Cullen Murr and wife Danielle of Richmond, VA, and daughter Lillian Austin and husband Will of Rockville. She was the devoted grandmother of Lillian and Will’s daughter, Caitriona. Janna is also survived by her loving brother, Joseph Dirk Vavroch and wife Mikie, of Oceano, CA, as well as her faithful poodle, Davey.

Born to Barney Vavroch and Marcia T. Vavroch, Janna enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Worthington, Ohio.  As a teen she moved to Connecticut before settling in Baltimore for college. Janna graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland University and earned a Master’s in Education from Towson University. A passionate educator, Janna worked for over 20 years as a preschool teacher and brought lasting joy to her students. Janna converted to Catholicism later in life and belonged to St. Isaac Jogues Parish of Parkville.

At home, Janna was an enthusiastic gardener, transforming her Parkville yard into a garden that emulates some of the great estate gardens. She possessed a unique appreciation for color, on display along her beautiful garden paths and in her artful home.  Janna was a voracious reader and was constantly looking for ways to keep learning about anything that interested her. She loved camping with her family, especially summer trips to Deep Creek, Upstate New York and Vermont. She was always looking for a beautiful place to avoid the heat of Baltimore summers. 

Above all else, Janna was concerned for her children’s wellbeing and happiness and was anxiously anticipating her son’s nuptials in September.  Days before Janna passed, Cullen and Danielle arranged an impromptu marriage service at Janna’s bedside so that Mom could be included, too.  Janna will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 7527 Harford Rd, Parkville. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 PM. Interment will be in Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery, 2406 Ridge Rd, Windsor Mill, MD 21244. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made with the CJD Foundation at cjdfoundation.org, by calling 1-800-659-1991, or by mailing to 3634 W. Market St, Suite 110, Akron, OH 44333

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