Janet Danoff, a retired Southern High School teacher and department head, died yesterday of cancer at the Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care in Towson. The Pikesville resident was 72.

She retired 13 years ago from the Federal Hill high school, where she was head of the English department. She taught for more than 28 years.

Born Janet Cohan in Baltimore and raised in Reservoir Hill, she was a graduate of Western High School. She earned a degree in education from Towson State University and a master's degree from Loyola College.

She enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Sol Levinson & Bros., 8900 Reisterstown Road.

Survivors include Morris Danoff, her husband of 54 years; four sons, Allan S. Danoff of Ellicott City, Mitchell H. Danoff of Pikesville, Eric B. Danoff of Ellicott City and Robert D. Danoff of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a brother David Rodman Cohan of Baltimore; and six grandchildren