Janet Berdis Thompson 1944-2025

Janet was born on the West Side of Youngstown and attended Holy Name School. She graduated from Ursuline High School in 1962.

Left to cherish Janet’s memory are her sisters, Elaine Venneri (son, Lou), Jeri (Jim) Baumgarten and her brothers, Steve (Joanne) and Ron (Kim) Berdis. They, along with many nieces, nephews and friends, will miss her warm smile and inviting personality.

After high school, Janet attended cosmetology school and worked as a dietician for St. Elizabeth’s before embarking on a 47-year career at Youngstown City Hall. There, she started at the Water Department and moved to engineering until retirement.

Janet was an avid gardener who took great pride in her yard and home. She had an independent spirit and found great comfort when surrounded by family. There was no better friend than Janet.

Janet was a cancer survivor, had both knees replaced at the same time, both shoulders repaired and ankle surgery, all while living alone. She was a strong, talented and determined woman — a beautiful soul who touched so many lives and will always be remembered and missed.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Steve and Clara Berdis; brother-in-law, Lou Venneri; daughter, Shelly; and her beloved dog, Pepper.

Friends may call 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, with a prayer service to follow.

The family has entrusted Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home to handle the arrangements.

(special notice)