Janice M. Fitch, 81, of Emporium, PA passed away at Shadyside-UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA on Tuesday morning (March 26, 2024) following a brief illness. She was born October 23, 1942 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late James and Ethel Jacob Lecker. 

Janice married her first husband the late James Wendel who passed away in 1992  and later married Clinton W. Fitch who passed away in 1975.  

She retired from Elk Regional Health Center as a switchboard operator in 2007.  

She was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, lector, and taught CCD for many years.  Teaching CCD gave her so much joy and she still looked forward to running into past students.  She continued speaking fondly of those memories until she passed.  She always enjoyed and held onto memories of her Wednesday nights.  In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her cat, Gerald; watching her British Television Series; puttering around her yard, and visiting with family and friends.  She always had a wonderful time watching the birds, deer, elk, etc. on her rides as well as in her own yard. 

She is survived by two daughters, Pamela Morton (Gary Heckman), St. Marys; Hope McManigle, Butler, PA; son, James Wendel (Matt Kowalchik), Emporium; very close friend and neighbor, Beth Mihalek, Emporium; two granddaughters: Macy (Caleb Hauss) and Heather (Ross Olivett); two great granddaughters: Rowan and Renna, who lovingly called her “my Janice”; a brother, Daniel J. Lecker, St. Marys. 

In addition to her parents and husbands she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, David Karkoska; brother, James “Tom” Lecker and a sister, Antoinette L. “Toni” Carver. 

There will be no visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Saturday (April 13, 2024) at 10:00 AM with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, Pastor, as Celebrant.  Luncheon to follow in O’Connell Hall, all are welcome. 

Burial will be in the St. Augustine Cemetery, Costello, PA. 

In lieu of flowers memorial Contributions may be made to Cameron County SPCA or St. Judes Hospital. 

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net 

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.