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BOARDMAN -- Janet M. Hershey, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.
She was born on Feb. 19, 1948, in East Liverpool, a daughter of the late Clarence P. and Rose Marie Shevenaugh Custer.
Janet had a long career as a beautician at several places over the years, including JCPenney, Macy's and Regis.
She shared a wonderful marriage with her husband, Paul, for 55 years, and together they built a home that reflected the care and love she so naturally gave to others.
Thoughtful by nature, she had a way of making people feel special, whether through a carefully chosen card, a thoughtful gift or simply by giving her time. Her kindness extended beyond her family as well, as she worked two days each week in the Alzheimer's unit and with the residents at the Inn at Glenellen, offering comfort and companionship to those who needed it most. It was a reflection of the gentle, generous heart that defined her.
She had an eye for making everything special and found joy in creating it wherever she could. She loved cross-stitch and needlework, arranging flowers with the St. Charles Garden Club, decorating her home, and putting together beautiful holiday displays. Christmas was her favorite season, and she delighted in making it feel magical for her family, carefully decorating each year and creating many of the cross-stitched ornaments that became treasured keepsakes. She also enjoyed shopping, especially when she could find a great bargain, and had a knack for putting together just the right look with both style and creativity.
Janet loved spending time with her family and traveling, especially her most recent trips to Hawaii. She enjoyed golfing and appreciated any opportunity to be outdoors, but some of her happiest moments were the quiet ones spent sitting on the porch, taking in the peace around her. She understood that life's greatest gifts were often found in its simplest moments. More than anything, she will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the care she showed so effortlessly, and the way she made the people around her feel deeply loved.
Janet leaves behind to cherish the memory of her: her beloved husband, Paul Hershey; her daughter, Kristen (Brian) Hershey-Schell; her sister, Maxine Kling; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends and family will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman.
A prayer service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish-St. Charles Borromeo Church, Boardman.
She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
The family requests any material contributions be made to either St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Yellow Brick Place Cancer Support Center, 2959 Canfield Road, Suite 4, Youngstown, OH 44511, in her honor.
Visit www.beckerfuneralhomes.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.
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