Janet Elizabeth Sepso Zeiner, age 69, of Stratford, passed away on October 5, 2018. The cherished daughter of Andrew and Margaret Potocik Sepso, Janet grew up in Stratford. She loved the forest to shore community and continued to reside in Stratford to raise her family. For over 30 years, she followed her true calling as an English teacher for middle and high school students. Three generations of children blossomed under her droll humor, compassionate personality, and exceptional teaching skills. She also supported teachers as a union representative, team leader, and mentor for the Connecticut Teacher Education and Mentoring Program. She loved gardening, and worked spring and summers to create and maintain her beautiful flower gardens. An avid reader, Jan would travel miles to check out a good book sale almost anywhere in the state. Her favorite genre was mystery especially the English variety. During her illness, she enjoyed watching Sherlock Holmes movies, but only those with Benjamin Cumberbatch. The UCONN Girls Basketball was her favorite team and she saw as many games as possible, attending most with her husband, Paul and brother, Roger. Her family has had the benefit of hearing from her students and fellow teachers over the past few weeks.   Janet was beloved and respected as a teacher and colleague. She was defined by her seventh graders as being tough, but fair, and always ready to assist them. Her fellow teachers nick-named her "the queen of language arts" and considered her not just one of the best, but also a dear friend. New teachers always found her ready with an open door, a shoulder to cry on, and sage advice. Janet is survived by Paul S. Zeiner, her beloved husband; Eric Scott Zeiner, her adored son; her brother, Roger P. Sepso and his wife, Linda; sister -in-law, Judith Pottorff and husband, James; nephews, Michael Sepso and partner Chloe Flower, Matthew Pottorff; and nieces, Alycia Sepso Graham and her husband Bryan, Caroline Pottorff, and Catherine Post and her husband Chris. She was especially devoted to her great nieces, Madelynn and Hayden, who enjoyed shopping trips with Auntie Jan. A memorial service will be held at Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford, CT on Monday, October 8, 2018 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Janet's memory to the Kennedy Center for Probus House where her son Eric happily resides. The address for the Kennedy Center is 2440 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611.