Janice E. Simmons, 78, of Chester, WV passed away from complications of Covid-19 on December 2, 2020. She was born in western Pennsylvania and lived her entire life in the tri-state area. Instead of recounting life’s accomplishments, Janice will be remembered for her love of God and family.
Janice loved her parents and three sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Smith, and two sisters, Nancy Hoback and Arlene Wolf. She is survived by her twin sister, Janet McCarron. They came into the world together and were inseparable.
Janice loved her four children. She is survived by her daughter Lori (David) Cuervo of Venetia, PA, her daughter Kim (Tim) Stipec of Chester, WV, her son Ron (Kim) Simmons of North Platte, Nebraska, and her daughter Nanci Simmons of Chester, WV.
But most of all, Janice loved her grandchildren fiercely. She was known to tell each one of them “I love you best”. She attended as many sporting events, recitals, school functions, and graduations as she could. There was never a birthday that passed without a handwritten card. She loved having her first great-grandchild this year and shared pictures of him with everyone. Janice is survived by her grandchildren: Kathryn and Andrew Cuervo; Eric (Nikki), Craig, and Jacob Stipec; Levi, Lucas, and Logan Simmons; Madison Simmons and Chloe Thompson; and her great-grandchild Tucker Stipec. They will all miss her terribly. Janice also loved her many nieces and nephews and tried to visit and speak with them as often as possible.
Her family wishes to thank Dr. Agha and his staff at the Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, PA for the tremendous care they provided to her over nearly six years. They kept her in good health so her family could enjoy many more years with her. They also wish to thank the many doctors, nurses, and staff members at Ruby Hospital in Morgantown, WV for the care and kindness they gave her this past week.
Janice enjoyed being a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A mass will be held on December 15, 2020, at 10 AM for family members. Because of Covid restrictions, attendance is limited to 50 people. However, the Arner Funeral Chapel will record the service and publish the service on the website at www.arnerfuneralchapel.com. Per Janice’s wishes, there will be no visitation services at Arner Funeral Chapel, who will be providing her cremation services. Her family is scheduling her interment at the Columbiana County Memorial Park in East Liverpool, OH in the Spring so they can hold an outside service with her many family and friends in attendance. The date will be announced in the newspaper and at Sacred Heart.