Janet Elich

Janet Elich, 86, of Eldersville, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, February 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 26, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine Sugick. A woman of sharp intellect and academic excellence, Janet graduated as the Valedictorian of the Burgettstown Union High School Class of 1957. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Education degree with honors from West Liberty College. Janet began her career in education at Toronto High School in Toronto, Ohio, where she enjoyed sharing stories of teaching actor Robert Urich. She dedicated the remainder of her professional life to the students of Burgettstown High School, teaching both English and Business classes until her retirement in 1995. On August 12, 1961, Janet married the love of her life, George Elich. Their story was a lifelong romance that began in the first grade at Eldersville Grade School. Together, they shared a remarkable spirit of adventure. Through 49 cruises, they toured the world: visiting Italy, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, the Caribbean, and countless other destinations. Janet simply never sat down. There was always something to be done: sticks to pick up, trips to plan, presents to wrap, walls to wash, taxes to assist with. She took pride in her immaculate yard and vibrant flowers, which were admired by all who passed by. Above all, Janet cherished her family. She never missed a birthday, baking her special cake for each celebration and making everyone feel uniquely loved. She created her own traditions, hosting "Me-Mo's Christmas" and "Me-Mo's Easter," holidays filled with her personal touches and the laughter of generations gathered together. For over 50 years, she and her family made memories in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, a place that became part of their family story. Janet was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church (St. Isidore the Farmer Parish) and was active in the Christian Mothers and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department. Along with her husband, Janet is survived by her three daughters: Lisa (Dave) Stiffler, Lesli (Mike) Maltony and Jen (Dave) Pursley; eight grandchildren: Emmy Medina, Nate (Meghan) Stiffler, Maggie (Devin) Greenawalt, Brea (Nick) Pinardo, Tyler (Mackenzie) Maltony, Mikala (Jordan) West, and Ethan and Mia Pursley; and nine great-grandchildren, Jax, Quinn, and Cas Medina, Asher and Dawson Pinardo, Lucia Maltony, Tate and Bexley West, and Beau Stiffler. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Zarka; her sister-in-law, Jackie (Mike) Bigler; and her loyal Yorkie, Daisy, who never left her side. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Vic Zarka and Stan Elich, Jr. Funeral services will be held at Slater Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. of Burgettstown and will be private, per her request. Burial will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Burgettstown. www.Burgettstown.SlaterFuneral.com Those wishing to remember Mrs. Elich in a special way can make a memorial donation in her honor to the Jefferson Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, 12 Fire Road, Burgettstown, PA 15021.