Janice Kochanek

1943 - 2021

Janice "Jan" (DeFranco) Kochanek, 78, beloved wife to the late Joseph Kochanek Jr., of Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2021, her favorite holiday, at her home with her four daughters by her side. She was born in Hartford on January 9, 1943 to the late Sperry and Jane (Spellman) DeFranco. Jan lived an incredibly full life that was filled with laughter and love. She attended the Saint Francis School of Nursing, became a Registered Nurse, and went on to work at Saint Francis Hospital, and later at the Veterans Home & Hospital in Rocky Hill. After being a stay at home mom and raising her four daughters, Jan went back to work for the Town of Rocky Hill, first at the Cora J. Belden Library and then in the Building Department for nine years. She was an inquisitive, spiritual person who loved to learn, and recognized that in life, there are many teachable moments. She studied Theology, Native American culture, became a Reiki healer and a Certified Master Gardener through the UConn Extension Program. She also volunteered as an English-As-A-Second Language (ESL) tutor for many years. Jan was an avid reader and crossword enthusiast, she loved working in her flower gardens, listening to the birds, and cooking up a giant pot of her "Mima meatballs." Family was the most important thing to her, whether it was being involved with her daughters' school activities or later in life, entertaining every weekend for parties filled with good food and laughter. She loved taking family trips to Cape Cod or quiet getaways to Upstate New York for a little R&R. She considered herself abundantly wealthy, surrounded by the love of her grandkids, daughters, son-in-laws, and the love of her life, Joe. Jan and Joe truly had a special marriage, 54 wonderful years together. It was the envy of so many people. Having known each other since childhood, their marriage was the result of continuous work, understanding, forgiveness, dedication and at the end of the day, indescribable love for one another. She was a devout parishioner and Eucharistic Minister of Saint Josephine Bahkita Parish. Jan will be missed dearly by her four daughters and their loving families; Gail and Bob Saucier of Rocky Hill, Jody Kochanek and Hugh John Shannon of Waterford, Anna and Brian Carnelli of Rocky Hill, MaryJo and Kerry Sheltra of Rocky Hill. Fourteen cherished grandchildren, Allison, Jacquelin, Bobby, Jessica, Cole, Carley, Kevin, Kyle, Jake, Zach, Josh, Alyssa, Noah and Luke. Her brother, Larry and his wife, Kathi DeFranco, sister, Cathy Kehoe, sister and brother-in-law Ed Toffolon and the late Anne Toffolon, and "honorary daughter" Meagan Ribera and family. Cousins, John and Mary Rosania, nieces and nephews; Amy Dolan, Rebecca James, Larry DeFranco Jr., Laura Preston, Caitlin, Tessa, and Delaney Kehoe. As well as many great-nieces and nephews. To know Jan was to know that family was everything, her and Joe had an open-door policy to everyone. Jan's family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Patricia DeFusco for her gentle care and friendship to Jan throughout her 20-year courageous battle with breast cancer. As well as many thanks to the numerous other nurses, doctors, and caregivers that supported her on her journey. Friends and relatives may pay their respects to the Kochanek Family on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at the Farley - Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield. The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jan's life will be held in Saint Elizabeth Seton Church of Saint Josephine Bahkita Parish, 280 Brook Street Rocky Hill, on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. (All attendees are asked to go directly to church. Burial will follow in Rocky Hill Center Cemetery (Section 153), Rocky Hill. In Lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to Friends of the Cora J. Belden Library, 33 Church Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, or The House of Bread, 1453 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120. To extend online condolences or for further information, please visit FarleySullivan.com.