Melissa McGuire Janiak

Melissa McGuire Janiak, age 36, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, Illinois. She was the cherished wife of James J. "Jamie" Janiak and loving mother of their daughter, Rose. Melissa is also survived by her mother, Carol McGuire, brother, Chuck (Kathy) Latta, sister, Debbie (Mike) Osborne and brother-in-law, Anthony (Kathleen) Janiak. Numerous nieces and nephews and one great niece also survive.

Melissa was preceded in death by her father, William McGuire, mother-in-law, Mary Ann Janiak, father-in-law, James M. (Jim) Janiak, grandmother, Katherine Donbroski, grandfather, Charles Donbroski, along with numerous other cherished relatives and friends.

Melissa was a passionate and gifted cook and had a talent for the culinary arts. She enjoyed traveling the world with Jamie and friends, and getting lost in a good book. Melissa's greatest love, however, was being a devoted wife and mother. She leaves behind a void that cannot be filled. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her which were many.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 3:00 – 8:00 pm at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Prayers will begin at 9:15 am at the funeral home. Guests may begin arriving at the funeral home at 8:30 am. A procession to Our Lady of Peace Church, 701 Plainfield Road, Darien, for a 10:00 am Mass will follow prayers.