Janice M. Matko

February 25, 1953 - April 19, 2020

Janice Marie Matko, 67, departed this world for her place in Heaven on April 19, 2020 from her home in Strongsville, OH after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Known to many of us as Jannie, she was born in Euclid, OH on February 25, 1953 to Rudolph and Mary (Jalovec) Matko. Her parents and brother Allan preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister-in-law Pat (Petrovic) Matko; brother Dennis and his wife, Pamela Downing; niece, Deanna (Matko) Weber and her children Marcus, Maxwell, Maya and Mitchell; nephew Mark Matko, his wife, Janice (Tucholski) and their sons Tyler and Kyle; nephew Dr. Matthew Matko, Seattle WA; nephew Michael Matko, currently in South East Asia; Dr. Andrew Matko and wife Karin (Danklefsen), and their sons, Mason and Brady; her devoted best friend of 60 years, Debbie (Rash) Zeleznak; and numerous cousins, their offspring and many friends. Janice was a 1971 graduate of Euclid High School and a proud alumna of The Ohio State University, where she excelled academically on the way to earning her BSN. The conferring of her nursing degree formally marked the beginning of her life-long passion of helping and caring for others. Professionally, Janice worked more than thirty years at Cleveland Metro Hospital, practicing as a floor nurse, in Recovery Room, and Endoscopy. Her commitment to selflessly helping others was reflected in the way she lived her personal life. She performed countless acts of compassion and kindness for friends, family and neighbors. During their last years, Janice lovingly served as the principal caregiver for both of her parents. Her love for her family is evident in the special relationships she nurtured with her niece, nephews and their children. Janice was also a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. She grew up as member of St. Christine parish in Euclid. She spent many of her middle years as a member of St. Gabriel parish in Painesville Twp., and cherished her time as part of their exceptional choir. For the last several years, Janice has been a member of St. John Neumann parish in Strongsville. While these voluntary commitments meant sacrificing some of her personal dreams, Janice had a love for travel that she was fortunate to satisfy, especially in her last years. Often in concert with her dear friends, David and Judy Arlow, or with her best friend, Debbie Zeleznak, Janice had many wonderful adventures in the USA and abroad, including a beautiful trip to her ancestral lands of Slovenia. Janice will be remembered as a kind and gentle woman, who in her own genuine way made the world a brighter place. We will miss her for the wonderful laugh and generous spirit that she shared without reservation, and Heaven will welcome her as its newest Angel. The family would like to recognize the compassion, support and loving care of Janice’s caregivers at Hospice of the Western Reserve. Private family services will be held with interment in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, OH. As a result of the ongoing and ever-developing Covid 19 health crisis in the world and our community, and with genuine concern for the people whom they love, Janice’s family will host a celebration of her life with family and friends once life returns to calmer and healthier times when we will be able to gather without boundaries to honor, remember and commemorate Janice’s life. Donations in honor of Janice may be made to the The Gathering Place (https://www.touchedbycancer.org/). The Gathering Place, which is funded by donations, offers free programs and services addressing the emotional, physical, spiritual and social needs of individuals and families coping with the impact of cancer in their lives.