Janice (Bonanza) Hawelka

UTICA - Janice (Bonanza) Hawelka, age 79, went home to heaven on Monday, August 20, 2018 to be with those she loved in this life. At the time of her passing at the Katherine Luther Residential Health Care & Rehabilitation Center she was in the hearts of those she loved the most. Born in Utica on June 18, 1939, Janice was the daughter of the late Joseph and Laura (Pflanz) Bonanza. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. In 1984 Janice met her life partner and companion, Maureen “Peaches” Zombick with whom she shared memories filled with fun, laughter, and a true commitment to one another. Their souls were connected on so many levels. Janice was employed by Price Chopper on Commercial Drive as a meat wrapper and also held positions at Walmart and B.J.’s. Her unique voice will resonate and be remembered by co-workers and patrons. Janice was blessed with a happy, joyful life. She made a positive impression on people and she was too funny for words. But the words she did speak were true, and her generosity and kindness were genuine. Family oriented, she hosted the holidays at her home, and Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve were her favorites. She made them special. She enjoyed exciting, entertaining events, traveling, and trying her luck at games of chance. She was an avid bowler and had a knack for repairing anything—-especially with duct tape! She spent time maintaining and repairing her home, and because duct tape was her tool of choice, watch out and use at your own risk. Janice was a dance music gal who enjoyed the classics as she strutted and swayed around the house when the mood and music moved her. Sociable by nature, she was delighted to dine out at the drop of a dime. She held memories of these happy times close to her heart and she knew they could never be repeated. Janice had a personal relationship with her Lord. She lived a good life despite her physical struggles and she was ready to go home,… on her terms. Janice is survived by her partner Peaches who she depended upon and truly loved; her brother and sisters-in-law, James and Dolores Bonanza, Ida M. Bonanza who was also a loyal confidante, and Frances Bonanza; nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Melissa and Shawn Schmidt, and Bobby and Linda Bonanza; great-nieces and great-nephews, Gianna, and Michalena whose visits were always uplifting; her in-laws, Chip and Tabby Zombick and their children; and the many girls and guys at Price Chopper who were more than just co-workers. She was predeceased by her sisters, Corrine M. Bonanza, and Patricia Lavier; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald A. and Lee Bonanza, Charles F. and Theresa Bonanza, Joseph J. “Snooky” Bonanza Jr., and Robert “Bob” Bonanza, Sr. The family is grateful to Dr. Dilip Kachare for his many years of professional medical care; and the staff at the Katherine Luther Home/Applewood Wing, wonderful, compassionate caregivers who will remain in the family’s hearts. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Janice's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Janice (Bonanza) Hawelka

June 18, 1939 - August 20, 2018