Janice Francis Downing (nee: Gondelli)

April 6, 1943 - May 9, 2020

Janice Francis Downing (nee: Gondelli), passed away, Saturday, May 9, 2020 at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. She was born in Troy, New York on April 6th, 1943 to Arthur and May Gondelli. Janice spent her early years with her sister and family in Philadelphia, later moving to Connecticut, before then settling in Ohio where she married William Downing. Mother of Robert, Steven, and Mathew Rich, Janice is survived by her sons, Rob and Steve; sister, May Burgess; grandchildren, Chelsea, Jacob, Sarah and Tara Rich; great granddaughter, Saydee Grace Miser, and nieces and nephew. Jan, known by her friends and neighbors in Painesville and later Grace Woods will be remembered for her smile, laughter, and helpful neighborly way. Also, for her ‘Green Thumb’, which brightened the gardens around her apartment and the community grounds with plants and flowers. She was a member of the Western Reserve Herbal Society. She was a Master Gardener as well, organizing programs for local area children in the schools and serving on several committees. She was also honored as Gardener of the Year and Master Gardener emeritus in 2019. She regularly hosted teas and garden ‘get togethers’ for fellow volunteer gardeners. At St. James, she was a member of the DOK, served on their board, and head of their Soup kitchen for many years. She enjoyed the Cleveland Opera, Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, as well as cheering for the Cleveland Indians. Her family remembers her zest for life and travel, her sense of style, always being pulled together, and a willingness to take on anything, still traveling regularly to DC and Florida in her later years to visit family. She enjoyed cooking, particularly holiday meals, reading, and previously swimming at the Painesville YMCA and cycling. She was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church. A celebration of Jan’s Life will be announced at a later time after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Jan’s ashes will be interred at St. James Episcopal church in Painesville along-side her husband, Bill and son, Matt. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. The family asks that any charitable gifts on her behalf to go Western Reserve’s Herb Society c/o Botanical Gardens, Grace Episcopal Church in Willoughby, and St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville. Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.