WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Janet Engel Schutzman, 83, passed away on June 9, 2026, at Williamstown Commons, where she received much kindness from the nurses and staff who cared for her during her last year.

Jan moved to Williamstown over twenty years ago and quickly grew to love her new home in the Berkshires. A dedicated and affectionate grandmother to Max and Polly, she spent years doing pickup at daycare and hanging out at the playground at WES. She created adult community by volunteering at the library and elsewhere, cultivating friendships through long walks and competitive games of Scrabble. Most importantly, she joined St. John’s Church, where she was embraced by a circle of love and support that sustained her to the very end.

Jan was born on September 16, 1941, in Pittsburgh, PA, to parents Marie and Harry Engel. She grew up in Maryland, riding horses and being quietly exemplary at every step of her educational journey. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She later earned a Master's in Library Science from Indiana University.

Returning to Maryland, Jan had a long, fulfilling career as a librarian in the Harford County Library system. She and her husband, Bud Schutzman, bought 70 beautiful acres and turned them into a successful Christmas tree farm, Hickory Hill Tree Farm, which Jan ran with her family for many years. The tree farm was entirely her idea. Jan was always happy outdoors and enjoyed life on a farm. She was an avid gardener and amateur botanist.

In addition to Max and Polly, Jan leaves her daughter, Julie, and son-in-law, Bernie Rhie of Williamstown. She also leaves her daughter, Marcie Schutzman. Jan is predeceased by her brother, Harry Engel.

A memorial service for Jan will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Williamstown. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jan’s name to the David and Joyce Milne Library in Williamstown. To add to the book of memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com