Janet Ann Erel (née Castagnero) passed peacefully on December 18, 2025, at 83 years old. She lived most of her life in the Greater Orlando area and spent her final days surrounded by her loved ones.

Born July 7, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA to Emma and Donald Castagnero, she is survived by her younger brother Donald Castagnero, her husband Bilgin Erel, and her son David Erel.

Janet attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania as the first person in her family to earn a college degree. She and Bilgin married December 1966, and Janet embraced the adventure of living overseas in Turkey so her new husband could complete his mandatory military service. After returning to the states and before dedicating herself full-time to raising David, Janet was a social worker who would remain an active member of her community throughout her life.

Janet was an avid reader, movie-goer, and needlepoint artist. She imparted her passion for learning and culture upon her nieces, Lisa, Merjan, Lauren, Sirma, and Megan, all of whom loved and admired her very much.

Friends and family described Janet as welcoming, loving, independent, and quick-witted. She will be remembered as a warm and stylish hostess whose generosity and willingness to help her neighbors never wavered. She made every space she entered a little more beautiful.

Services are private for family