Janice Ann (Kierski) Washkowiak, 79 of Utica, passed away peacefully with her husband and daughters by her side due to complications caused by her COPD in the early morning of February 3, 2026, as a glistening snow blanketed the earth. Per her wishes cremation rites have been accorded.
A memorial mass will be Tuesday February 17th, at Holy Family Church in Oglesby at 10:30. The Very Reverend Paul Carlson, pastor of Holy Family Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in LaSalle. A memorial visitation will be Monday February 16th at the Burgess Funeral Home in LaSalle from 4 to 6 with a rosary at 6. Additional memorial visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 9:30 until the time of services.
Janice (Kierski) Washkowiak was born September 22, 1946, as the first born of Edward/ Buzz and Catherine/ Katie (Liss) Kierski. The best honor she ever experienced in grade school was crowning the Blessed Virgin Mary for May Crowning. Janice would often describe memories of her younger years around the Illinois Valley while revealing some mischievous adventures that her daughters better never do. Thanks to her sister, she met the love of her life that was the dorkiest guy ever. Janice said they had to get married after attending a wedding where Dale caught the boutonniere.
Dale and Janice married on July 1, 1967 and were happy to celebrate 50 “ears” of marriage in Disney World in 2017. On a snowy day in 1989, they became grandparents so Janice could continue to celebrate her love of Christmas. They were promoted to great grandparents in 2010. However, many across the Illinois Valley know her as Grandma Janice old and young alike.
Janice instructed her daughters to have a peppy funeral, she’s not a downer. “I’ve lived my life; I have no regrets.” She was able to do everything she’s ever wanted and doesn’t want anyone to be mopey. Before her passing she gave everyone some words of wisdom, “You have to do, what you want to do, to make you happy, regardless of what.” For her she shared her faith and love through countless cards offering prayers of encourage, joyful celebrations and colorful confetti. To her, there were no strangers, only cherished connections.
Janice is survived by her husband Dale Washkowiak, daughters Raquel (Ron) Zike of Indiana, Nicole (Marc) Znaniecki of LaSalle, sister Phyllis (Randy) Sorrentino of Colorado, grandchildren Ryan Zike, Kaitlynn Zike, and Katrina (Dustin) Zike-Bratton all of Indiana, grandchildren Catherine (Justice Stillwell) and Zachary Znaniecki of LaSalle, great grandchildren Nyklas, Kayden and Karter Bratton, Joshua, Jaylyn and Jordyn Zike all of Indiana, as well as many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family to be distributed to her favorite charities.
On line condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
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