Eleanor Janik

Eleanor Janik, 1931-2025.

Longtime Chicopee resident Eleanor Janik passed away peacefully at home in Cedar Park, Texas on Friday. She was 93 years old. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Eleanor was the daughter of the late John and Carolyn Scheehser and sister to Laurence Scheehser. She attended Brightwood School, Glenwood School, and Van Sickle Jr High School, and Springfield Technical High School. Eleanor was active in sports: softball, swimming, boating, and canoeing in her youth.

Eleanor was married to the late Frederick Janik of Chicopee. She helped her husband Fred make kielbasa at Janik's Quality Sausage and worked as a telephone operator at Bell. She was devoted mother to Eric Janik now of Lyons, Colorado, Christine McClary now of Cedar Park, Texas, and Kurt Janik now of Plano, Texas. She was an actively involved mother and Girl Scout leader. She played volleyball with Springfield Turnverein.

Eleanor has 3 cherished grandchildren: Emily Janik of Fort Collins, Colorado, Michael McClary of Austin, Texas, and Ian McClary of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

When her children were grown, Eleanor earned her Associate's Degree at Springfield Technical Community College and then worked as a Physical Therapy Aide. She also took up needlepoint, making many beautiful pillows for family and friends.

Eleanor often remarked on how she fell in love with her extended family, how blessed she was to be part of such a fine family. She cared for her aging parents and loved taking her grandchildren on outings, such as river rafting and canoeing.

Eleanor was generous, grateful, and good spirited until her last day. She was an inspiration to us all.

Eleanor's departure leaves behind a void, but many wonderful memories that will be cherished and honored by her family and all who knew her.

Eleanor will be buried on January 23, 2025 at Liberty Hill Cemetery, 16101 TX-29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. Flowers can be sent to the cemetery.