Janice M. Paananen (nee Brunell),75 of Ashtabula passed away after a short illness on April 27, 2024. Born in Conneaut, Ohio, August 7, 1948, she was a beloved supporter of dog and cat rescue organizations including APL, GRIN, and ASPCA. Janice adored her loyal companion of 13 years, Bella, a rescue golden retriever. She dedicated 44 years of her career as the General Accounting Supervisor at ACMC.

Janice cherished her friendships and gatherings, especially with family members, her Edgewood High School 1966 classmates, and very close friends. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping, flower gardening, going to craft shows, collecting snowmen, raising funds for the APL, participating in the APL BooWow Walks, plus fishing and traveling in earlier years with her husband, John.

She is survived by her sisters Sara Steward, Betty (James) Wheeler, Connie Monda, Cheryl (Edward) Clark, Lorrie Emery, Diane Brunell and many beloved nephews and nieces. Janice was preceded in death by her husband John Paananen, father Wilbert Brunell, mother Margaret Shauberger Brunell, brothers Ronald Brunell, Donnie Brunell, sisters Linda (Roger, survives) Brown and Janet Louise.

A short memorial service will be held before interment at the Chapel at Greenlawn Cemetery on Friday, May 3 at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Janice's memory may be made to Ashtabula APL at 5970 Green Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004

Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements.

www.LakeErieCrematory.com