Date Of Birth: September 29, 1934
Date Of Death: January 10, 2010

Janet Y. (Vlantis) Sauer, 75, of Indianapolis, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2010 at Regency Place of Castleton after a long illness. She was born to John M. Vlantis, a Greek immigrant, and Catherine A. Doherty Vlantis, of Indianapolis, who preceded her in death.Janet graduated from Howe High School and Purdue University where she majored in biology and achieved a teacherÂ’s license and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. A lady of many skills and careers, she first worked for Eli Lilly as a microbiologist. She married Bob Sauer in 1962 and soon their first child (Michelle) was born. Janet then entered her second career, family, and became a loving mother. Along came Bob Jr. and then Joel. Now with three children, she rolled up her sleeves and concentrated on education and activities for the children.Another career evolved as she decided that her excess energy must be dissipated in some productive manner. She managed a “Mothers Morning Out” program for the YWCA — and I forgot to mention that she achieved a Masters ofScience in Business from Butler University while awaiting JoelÂ’s arrival. As time passed she kept very busy with the children and her many hobbies: knitting, weaving, pottery, macramé, drawing, tennis, skiing, and water skiing to name a few.When the children were in school she became a third grade art teacher, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She left in the morning after the children left for school and returned in the afternoon before the children arrived home. Her cunning was successful once again. As the children grew, family remained JanetÂ’s passion and first priority. She offered love, focus and involvement in their lives as a leader or volunteer for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, little league, swim team, music lessons, and community theatre involvement. Another career blossomed as the children entered high school. Completing a Master of Art Education from Indiana University Herron School of Art and in tandem becoming a licensed real estate broker, she headed her own “Janet Sauer Realty.” Teaching evening classes at Butler University in computers was also worked into the equation.She was committed to helping her community through philanthropic volunteerism, notably serving on boards and committees for Indianapolis Arthritis Guild, United Way Volunteer Action Center (for which she received an award for 5 consecutive years of service), ChildrenÂ’s Bureau Inc., People of Vision for the Prevention of Blindness, Indiana, and Family Support Center Auxiliary.Janet loved the arts, giving her time and talents to many organizations: Starlighters and later Theater Arts Guild, American Cabaret Theatre, Indianapolis Opera Guild, Art League of Irvington, Clowes Hall WomenÂ’s Committee, Alliance of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra WomenÂ’s Committee. She made her stage debut and swan song all at once playing the part of “Rose” in Hello, Dolly! in a community theater production.JanetÂ’s philosophy was “Get ‘er done” long before Larry the Cable Guy was on the scene. If you needed something, you called Janet. Most recently, she assisted in the forming years of The Indianapolis Marathon at Lawrence, for which her son, Joel, is the race director.An avid world traveler, she was a travel agent, and in 1984 she started her own agency, About Travel, as her last career venture, retiring in 1999. Other interests were: Euchre Club (35 years), Bridge, Green Thumb Garden Club, Mille de Fleurs Garden Club, and Art League of Irvington.She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert D. Sauer, Sr., her brother, Michael J. Vlantis (Patricia) of Indianapolis, her twin sister, Janice Y. Vlantis England of Arlington, Texas, her children, Michelle Y. Sauer Lori of New Albany, Indiana, Robert D. Jr. (Amanda) of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Joel N. (Kathryn) of Indianapolis, as well as twelve grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. A granddaughter preceded her in death in infancy.A service will be held at Harry W. Moore Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd. Visitation will be TODAY, Tuesday, January 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and funeral service will be Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m.Memorial gifts suggested to March of Dimes, 136 East Market Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or Favorite Charity.