By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
On Aug. 7, Attica resident Janet Schueler was honored for simply being herself, a woman of faith, compassion and benevolence. Schueler was presented with the 2024 Seneca County Outstanding Senior Award by the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging during a ceremony at the district office in Ontario. Schueler was one of nine seniors from across the district who were honored at the ceremony.
During the ceremony, Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart presented Schueler with a proclamation signed by himself and Commissioners Anthony Paradiso and Tyler Shuff.
Schueler was nominated for the award by her friend, Paula Karr. Karr said she nominated Schueler because she is service-oriented and active in the community. Schueler is a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church and the Attica Ministerial Association and is the coordinator of the Attica Community Food Pantry. She is also a founding member of Senior Stretch, where she leads exercise sessions, provides logistical assistance and supports Senior Stretch members who have physical disabilities.
“I call her the Mother Teresa of Attica,” Karr said. “She’s very dedicated to the food pantry. Not only that, but she is a charter member of our senior exercise group. She picks me up and takes me to the classes.”
After losing her husband in 2016, Schueler transformed her grief into empathetic friendship by forming an informal support group for widows. By facing her loss with strength, she lightens the loneliness of other widows, protecting them from isolation.
“She helps newly widowed women through their journey,” Karr said. “They play cards, go out to dinner and go places together. She helps them through that difficult time.”
Schueler’s benevolence stems from a heart that cares deeply for those around her.
“She’s just a good person. It’s unbelievable what she does at her age,” Karr said.
Frankart was grateful for the opportunity to travel to Ontario to honor Schueler at the ceremony for the impact she makes in Seneca County.
“People talk about the Star of the East. Attica is on the east end of Seneca County. We have our Star of the East here in the county – Janet Schueler,” Frankart said.
Several of Schueler’s friends and family members attended the ceremony to celebrate with her. Schueler said she was surprised she was chosen for the award, especially since Seneca County has a large population of seniors.
“I’m overwhelmed,” she said. “Seneca County is so big. I’m humbled to be chosen.”
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