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Janice K. Simmons

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Janice K. Simmons passed peacefully, in her home, Friday, March 24, 2023. She was a resident of Canonsburg. A Johnstown native, Janice was born January 16, 1951.

She was a 1968 graduate of Greater Johnstown High School and a 1972 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She also attended Katz School of Business, studying management.

Janice’s work experiences included working at Penelec in Johnstown, and Koppers in Pittsburgh. She went on to be assistant vice president at Johnson and Higgins, and later became a principal partner in Towers Perrin.

Janice enjoyed traveling, but one of the things she enjoyed most was raising and training her Welsh Terriers and Wheaten. The love and excitement she showed for her dogs was contagious. She loved sharing her dogs’ winning experiences with friends and family. She also enjoyed connecting with her friends and associates from the American Kennel Club. Her love of Corky, Comet, Tori, Cera, Talie and Gumdrop was obvious and heartwarming. One of the things Janice was respected for was the recent work she did with Talie as a therapy dog. She was enthusiastic about how Talie raised peoples’ spirits in the different facilities they would visit.

Janice was preceded in death by her mother, Elnor J. Simmons; uncle, Elroy Jr.; grandparents, Elroy (Roy) Sr. and Hazel M. Shomo Simmons; along with her aunt, Zelda Simmons Otto, and uncle, G. Frederick Otto.

She is survived by family members, Lorrie Otto-Duffy (Michael) of Portage, Kahlie Miller and Brad Schario of Johnstown, Melanie Duffy-Engel (Tyler) of Richland, along with local cherished family children, Lexia, Chase; Haiden, Cassie and soon-to-be-born “Baby” Engel who “Aunt Jannie” was so excited to meet. Also included, William and Sue Baldwin of Florida, daughters, Hiliary and Heather and family. Jannie’s cousins were also very important to her. She spoke of them often and loved them very much. She also had a special place in her heart for all the people who showed up when she needed them. These people were her extended family and often showed their love and support. She was very blessed.

Janice knew how to overcome obstacles and never stopped planning for the future. She will be missed every day.

Funeral arrangements were made through Beinhauer Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. A private service will be held at Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown.

In memory of Janice, donations may be made to Community Foundation of the Alleghenies/human neovascular AMD or other retinal vascular diseases; Canine Health Foundation of the American Kennel Club/Canine Epilepsy Project; The Washington State University Veterinary School of Medicine/Canine Cognitive Dysfunction research; and WT Cares, America’s nonprofit Welsh Terrier Rescue Service.

Please add tributes at beinhauer.com.

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