Elise Janet Stabe

Elise Janet Stabe, 96, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 13, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of the late John William Reid and Elise Freda (Kjeer) Reid and the sister of the late Donald Reid.

Known as Janet growing up, she later became affectionately known as “Gram.” She was the beloved wife of the late Robert William Stabe and a devoted mother to Robert Stabe (Susan), Janet Stabe, Elisa Potero (Tim), and the late Peter Stabe (Tina).

Janet was a cherished grandmother to Elizabeth Appelbaum (Brian), Kathryn Stabe, Jennifer Stabe, Matthew Stabe (Nicole), Olivia Potero, William Potero, John Stabe, and Laura Gogas (Brian). She was also a proud great-grandmother to Reid, Ella, and Brady Appelbaum; Christine and Connor Bates; Owen and William Stabe; Jackson Mathers; and Emma Gogas. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she treasured every moment spent with each of them.

Throughout her life, Janet was known for her kindness, quiet strength, warm spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She had the rare gift of making everyone she met feel welcomed, known, and like family. Her gentle presence, genuine interest in others, and generous heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Janet found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved needlepoint, reading, and faithfully completing the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper. A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of her church community and a regular attendee of Bible study. She also enjoyed visiting local coffee and tea shops—especially Latte Luv—where she could savor multiple lattes and pastries. She had a legendary sweet tooth and rarely let a day pass without enjoying a piece of See’s dark chocolate. In recent years, nothing brought her greater happiness than playing with her great-grandchildren, sharing in their laughter, and watching the daily news.

A church service will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, at Newtown Presbyterian Church, 76 North Sycamore Street, followed by burial at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Robert.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA in Janet’s memory at https://www.pspca.org/tribute-memorial-gifts.