Janet Esrock, an admired and popular math teacher and junior varsity field hockey coach at Whitfield School in Creve Coeur, died Sunday, Sept. 11, of injuries she suffered in a head-on collision Aug. 26 in Chesterfield. She was 50 years old and a resident of Chesterfield.

Mrs. Esrock had been hospitalized at Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur (formerly St. John’s Mercy Medical Center) since the collision last month on Wild Horse Creek Road, near Riverdale Drive. She and her son, Jonathan, 16, a Whitfield sophomore and soccer player, were seriously injured when a sport utility vehicle struck her car head-on at 10:40 the evening of Aug. 26. Jonathan has been released from the hospital and is recovering.

Police are investigating the accident. Chesterfield police Lt. Steven Lewis said police are considering charges against the man, 53; the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office is awaiting toxicology results before deciding whether to bring charges.

Ruth Greathouse, interim head of Whitfield School, said Mrs. Esrock had taught full-time for about 10 years and had tutored students in math for years before that. She said that Mrs. Esrock was known for her dedication in the classroom and on the athletic fields.

Greathouse said that Mrs. Esrock was her “go-to-gal” when it came to taking on new responsibilities as needed. “If I went to her and said, our girls basketball team really needs you, she would say OK.” She added that Mrs. Esrock was a “trooper” willing to help the school, its students and her colleagues in any possible way.

Mrs. Esrock was also popular among her students, offering late-night study sessions for students needing extra help for final exam preparation in informal settings like Steak ‘n Shake. Greathouse said Mrs. Esrock “always put other people first. She would help the kids see the best in themselves and show them why it was important to be there for others.”

A memorial service was held last Friday at Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Road in Creve Coeur. Whitfield School was closed that day in her honor.

Survivors include her husband, Chuck Esrock; sons Jonathan Esrock and Joe Esrock, daughter Becky Esrock, all of St. Louis. She was the daughter of Don and Elaine Kramer and daughter-in-law of Ed Esrock and Sandy Esrock. She is also survived by a brother, Jeff (Diana) Kramer of St. Louis. Mrs. Esrock was the sister-in-law of Stu (Margue) Esrock; Beth (Shawn) Egan and Ann (Jeff) Rayfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics, the Humane Society or the charity of the donor’s choice.