Janice Mae Hinzman

Janice Mae Hinzman, 78, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Canton on April 11, 1947, Janice was the daughter of the late Lora E. and Wilma Gray Keith. A graduate of Tuscarawas Valley High School, Janice cherished her roles as a mother, grandmother, sister, great-grandmother, and friend. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family.

Janice was blessed to have found the love of her life, the late Kenneth R. Hinzman, Sr., whose life was tragically cut short in a semi-truck accident. Despite this loss, Janice found strength and joy in raising their children: Lora (Harry) Best, Kenny Hinzman, Heather Mushrush, and the late Christy Mushrush.

She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, and she was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her fourteenth great-grandchild in January, who will carry on her legacy with Janice’s middle name. She also leaves behind her dear sister, Judy (Alvin) Sprankle.

Janice had a passion for cooking and baking, and she was especially known for her hot candies at Christmas, strawberry jelly, potato salad, blackberry cobbler, and veggie bars. Her love of gardening and canning meant her pantry was always full with the fruits of her labor.

Family was Janice’s pride and joy. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend the sporting events, recitals, and milestones of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleader and unwavering supporter.

Janice also had a fun-loving side. She enjoyed playing Bingo with her sister, Judy, and was a regular at a local gambling establishment where she earned the nickname “The Ship Lady.” On Fridays, she looked forward to traveling to Carrollton with her dear friend Jean Gilham to play cards.

In her earlier years, Janice worked at Questor Movie and also volunteered at the Dennison Depot, always finding ways to give back to her community.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband Kenneth, Janice was preceded in death by her daughter Christy Mushrush and siblings Gordon Keith, Alvin Lawson, Jim Lawson, and Joyce Russell.

Janice’s legacy of love, resilience, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.