Born on October 27, 1957, in Long Beach, California, she was the daughter of the late John and Louise Swartz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by both her soul mates, Bob Neal, they were married for 14 years, and Robert Orlauski, they were married for 13 years, and her sister, Cindi G. Eaton.
As a master college graduate of Anthropology, Janice worked for over 20 years with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the U.S. Department of Veteran’s University, and the U.S. Veteran’s Health Administration. Janice was a government retiree and proud of her accomplishments, not afraid to share them with others, in hopes to inspire them in their own careers.
Most recently, Janice was volunteering at the Shawnee Oklahoma Senior Center, serving as a board member, front-office assistant, bingo coordinator, called and player, as well as avid coordinator and participant in the exercise group and the gospel-singing group.
Janice also volunteered for the Oklahoma Blood Bank, actively coordinating and running van-blood drives at the casino and mall and trailer-blood drives at the university. “Saving lives” was always her motto, and she aided in the saving of many.
As a retiree and prior to moving to Shawnee, she was an active volunteer for the community where she lived known as THE FARM. As a board association member, committee planner of Bunco, Widows group, and other community groups, Janice touched many lives, forming bonding friendships with everyone she came in contact with, no matter their age or gender. As an avid reader herself, Janice would always make sure the community share library at THE FARM stayed filled with a wealth of children and adult books for the community residents to share.
Devoted to her family, church, and friends, Janice loved spending time with everyone. Whether it was meal time, TV/movie time, holiday time, keeping in touch with everyone via phone calls, emails or texts, or simply playing with her grandson Conner, she cherished every moment. She also loved spending time with her best friend, Dorothy "Dolly" Pendleton, of many countless years. They were like two peas in a pod, soul sisters from the moment they met, and inseparable sisters as they part.
Janice is survived by her children, Mary Louise, Bobby Jr., her son-in-law, David, her brother, William; her nieces, Chrissy and Amy Lou; great nieces, Mishell and Cynthia; and great nephews, Robert and Isaac; and the sparkling stars in her eyes, her grandchildren, John, Kaitlyn, and Conner.
Janice will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Her love and spirit will live on in the beauty all around us and in every life she touched.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31st, 2023, at the Shawnee Oklahoma Senior Center on Bell Street in Historic Downtown Shawnee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Shawnee Oklahoma Senior Center labeled “BINGO.”
Condolences may be sent directly to the family @ 1530 North Harrison Street, #134, Shawnee, OK 74804.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfh.com for the Orlauski family.
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