Janice Vasko 1941-2025

Born Dec. 22, 1941, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late James and Ladonna Mentzer Molnar, Janice dedicated her life to her family, becoming a guiding light and a source of unwavering support for those she loved.

Janice was a 1960 graduate of South High School. She was known for her culinary talents and took immense joy in cooking, baking and spending time shopping. Janice also valued self-care, enjoying her weekly visits to the salon. As a matriarch, she had a knack for bringing the family together through her delicious meals. Her commitment to her family extended beyond her culinary skills; Janice devoted herself to raising her daughter and providing nurturing in-home childcare for many years.

Janice spent countless hours adoring her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought her immense joy. Her loving nature was evident to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Christine (Sean) Leonhart of Delta; three grandchildren, Eric Leonhart, Danielle (Alex) Boyers and Alex Leonhart; four great-grandchildren, Kaida, Charlotte, Genevieve and Avery; her siblings, James (Charlene DelBone) Molnar of Austintown, Diana (Joe) DePascale of Florida, Darryl (Ellarose) Molnar of Brookville, Pa., Patricia (Wayne) McCormick of Jamestown, Pa., Donald (Leann) Wade of Arizona, Dennis (Peggy) Wade of Austintown and Doug (Karen) Wade of Boardman; and her brother-in-law, Gene Hollabaugh.

Janice was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard Vasko, whom she married Feb. 5, 1978, and who passed away March 1, 2014; and her sisters, Nancy Blazik, Cheryle Hollabaugh and Nora County.

Family and friends may pay their respects 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, where a funeral service will follow at 5 p.m.

(special notice)