Janet Leslie Martell

Janet Leslie Martell, 58, of Sharon, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, October 2, 2025, in UPMC Montefiore Hospital, following an extended illness. Janet was born February 24, 1967, in Sharon, a daughter of the late John S. and Marlene (Welch) Martell. She was a 1985 graduate of Sharon High School, and later graduated from the Penn State Shenango Valley Cosmetology School in 1988. Since 2011, Janet has been employed as a residential program worker at Community Counseling, Hermitage, and previously worked at the Echo Drop-in-Center, Sharon. She engaged with clients rather than simply overseeing their activities in the building. Janet had the ability to calm a destructive client, among many other rare talents. She also helped the clients get involved in activities within the community, such as building floats and participating in Buhl Day, Hermitage Light Up Night, Small Ships Revue, and other projects. She also had the clients work with the Sharon Beautification Commission. She was passionate about involving clients in the community to lessen the prejudices against people struggling with a mental illness. Her enthusiasm reduced people's reluctance to engage or participate in bake sales, rummage sales, or find their own activities and mutual aid. Besides Janet's lifelong passion for helping others, she also loved animals and always looked forward to celebrating Halloween with friends and family. Janet is survived by her life partner, Edward Kubyako, Sharon; three sisters, Catherine Martell, Hermitage, Dian Danos (George), Sharpsville, and Peggy Weidler (Michael), with whom she made her home in Sharon; two nieces, Leslie Farris (Steve) and Kimberly Beckman (Michael); a nephew, Stephen Weidler; two great-nephews, Owen Lutz and Michael Beckman; and her three cats, BC, Smoke, and Punk. In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her nephew, James Danos; and her brother-in-law, Marc Stewart. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.