Anna S. (Stankiewicz) Janik

Anna Stankiewicz Janik, 91, of Lisbon, passed away peacefully beside her family on April 10, 2025. Anna was born in Jewett City, the daughter of Joseph and Katherine (Zugi) Stankiewicz. Born 8th of 9 children, she had numerous stories to share of her childhood and adventures with her siblings and friends. 

 A 1951 graduate of Griswold High School, Anna began working at King Seeley Thermos, where she met her future husband, Walter Janik. They married on April 21, 1956, at St. Mary’s Church and spent 36 loving years together until Walter’s passing in 1992. They made their home in Lisbon, where they raised their family. Anna used her sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cooking talents to support her daughters in 4H and Girl Scouts. Additionally, Anna enjoyed being a spectator (heckler) at softball games at Jewett City Little League, NFA, and later at local slow pitch fields to cheer on Karen and Jennifer. Anna was a devoted communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Occum and an active member of the Rosary Altar Society.

After leaving King Seeley Thermos to raise her family, Anna found creative ways to help support her family—delivering newspapers in the early mornings and selling Stanley Products from home. In later years, she dedicated herself to caregiving, visiting veterans at the VA hospital, caring for elderly neighbors and children, working as a home health aide for Interim, and working as a Foster Grandparent through TVCCA. She cared and comforted her husband Walter and daughter Karen through their illnesses. 

Anna had a big personality.  She enjoyed being out and about and around people. Talking with people, listening to people, singing, polka dancing, and sharing laughs and stories. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, and did. Anna also enjoyed navigating scenic back roads in her red car with the sunroof open. You never had to wonder what Anna was thinking as she rarely kept what was on her mind to herself.  Behind all the talk was a warmth that exuded comfort to those around her. She believed in kindness without conditions and found the funny in even the hardest of moments. Anna was strong of mind, body, and spirit. She lived and loved loudly with her whole heart and left a lasting impression.

Anna was predeceased by her husband Walter; daughter Karen Janik Demanche; and all eight brothers and sisters. She is lovingly remembered by daughters Joanne von der Luft of New Braunfels, Texas; Jennifer and husband Tom Reynolds of Colchester, Connecticut; five treasured grandchildren—Garrett, Clayton, Jillian, Luke, and Matthew; several nieces and nephews; and a community of friends who were lucky enough to hear her stories.

Visitation will be at Gagne Piechowski Funeral Home in Griswold 10:30-11:30 with a mass following at St. Mary’s Church in Jewett City at 12:00. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.  

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