Janice Olivella

UTICA- Janice Olivella went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 29, 2023, after fighting the good fight, at the age of 75. She went with many blessings from her family and loved ones. Janice was born in Utica on December 17, 1947, to the late James and Frances (Noti) Olivella. She was raised and educated locally, attending Conkling Elementary School, T.R. Proctor High School graduating in 1966, and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Being a mindful woman and sensitive to the needs of others, she found a perfect working partnership when she was employed by the United Community Action, where their goal was truly to help people in need. In her youth, Janice possessed a bit of a sassy personality and could at times be coercive. In her personal life, many got to see a side of her that was protective, endearing, and loyal. She revealed a very social side of her personality yet was protective of her privacy. From her youth to present day, Janice was one you could count on to show affection and interest in children, especially her own nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She loved to entertain them in many ways from bringing them to attend events, providing albums from their favorite musical artists, and taking them anywhere they wanted to go. She was truly a child at heart. Music moved Janice’s soul and at any given time you might see her arise from her wheelchair to dance and show her emotions when inspired by an artist or in the company of her loved ones. Janice showed those she met along the way how to live a fulfilled and laughter-filled life. She was an enthusiastic conversationalist and did not stop until she was satisfied with an answer. When Janice established Midnight Mary’s in the heart of downtown Utica, her aim and desire was to create a safe haven for her patrons to mingle and express their individuality. Because she had an ear and appreciation for great artists, there was always high-energy music, vibrant lights, and a crowded dance floor. The years made her wiser, stronger, more empathetic, and she came to know herself in a more beautiful way. Her gifting, card-giving, and letter-writing always showed her positive and encouraging spirit. Her own health problems never seemed to be as important, always taking the time to remember others in her special ways. If she knew you had an affection for something, she would shower you in your hour of need with reminders to lift your soul. Whatever she did, she did it well and with the most heartfelt intentions. She opened her heart to many friendships, offering assistance to anyone in need, and loved to pass the time in the company of people she could trust. Janice was enamored of Marilyn Monroe—all that she accomplished and how her fame surpassed that of many other entertainers of her time. She was most impressed with how Marilyn overcame her early images and became a winning, critically-acclaimed, serious actress. She was also intrigued by the interesting lives of Betty Davis, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin and Serena Williams. Janice also knew the Lord, and truly her goodness was a reflection of God’s work on earth. She was a believer and always praised the power of the Lord. She was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Janice is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine “Jeri” and Tom Lynett. She held close in her heart the memory of her sister Beverly A. (Olivella) Ellis who passed away on June 25, 2004, and cherished the memory of her brother Vincent James “Jimmy” Olivella, who passed on March 2, 2015. She is additionally survived by many nieces and nephews, Dawn and Michael daSilva, Joe and Patty Lynett; Fred Ellis, Shere and Durell Lovett, Stanlee Enoch; Genero Olivella, and Deana and Phil Saporito; and she was broken-hearted at the loss of her nephew Richard J. “Ricky” Ellis in 2017. She was amazed and energized by her great-nieces and great-nephews. She was blessed with many care-giving cousins especially, Roro Putrelo and Jackie Humphreys; and many loyal friends including Chipper Olivieri, Diane Furgol, Cheryl Logan and Gloria Simonetti; the staff of Steinhorst Apartments, especially, Jodi, Lynne, and Jessica were so very helpful and made life as comfortable for Janice as possible for which the family is so grateful. She was always so mindful of her aunts and uncles who preceded her always keeping them in prayer. Janice’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Sultana Razia and her staff who kept a watchful eye on Janice’s medical needs with such compassion and dedication; as well as to the transport company, especially Tom, the owner, who gave Janice special attention. The family is appreciative for his compassion. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Janice’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:30 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street, Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org. Envelopes will also be available at Janice’s services. “If life were predictable, it would cease to be life and be without flavor.. .” -Marilyn Monroe

Janice Olivella

December 17, 1947 - January 29, 2023