Janet Lee (Bleiler) Iavagnilio

Janet Lee Iavagnilio, 91, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Esther’s House at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart, surrounded by family.

Janet was born in Elkhart on June 24, 1933, to the late Mandus and Bertha (Anspach) Bleiler.  She married Michael J. Iavagnilio on August 21, 1954.  They met at a St. Vincent De Paul school dance in 1949.

She is survived by eight children: Debra (Jim) Bowers, Cindy Iavagnilio, Michele Iavagnilio, Pam (Glen) Lambright, Michael (Sandy) Iavagnilio, Nancy Iavagnilio, John (Lisa) Iavagnilio and Rico (Maryann) Iavagnilio.  She is also survived by special family friend Theresa Helms, 19 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, sisters Sandy Bickel and Elaine (Pat) McKee as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Michael, her parents, a brother, Cecil Bleiler, sisters Phyllis Bolenbaugh and Joyce Cartwright and a great granddaughter, Adeline Bowers.

Michael and Janet owned Michael’s Italian Restaurant.  Under their spirit of hospitality, the business has flourished for over 65 years.  She was loved by many in the Elkhart community.

Her passion for cooking led to the success of their restaurant to this day.  She was an avid reader, reading over 200 books since the passing of her husband in 2019.  She loved her weekly outings with sisters and family.

Janet was the heart of her family and a bright and beautiful soul.  She was always pouring into the lives of her eight children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She made every birthday and holiday special. First of all, food, food and more food! She made life fun.

Janet never knew a stranger.  She had the gift of making everyone feel included.  She was a strong and compassionate person, always offering encouragement and words of wisdom.  As a committed and living wife, mother and grandmother, she will be greatly missed.  She was a woman of faith and a comfort to many.

The family would like to send a special “Thank You” to Dr. Charles Mathis and the staff at Greenleaf Living Center and the Center for Hospice Care.

Visitation for Janet will be Monday, September 2, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  Friends may also call on Tuesday, September 3rd from 10 am until the hour of the service at 11 am, also at the funeral home.  Father Samuel Anderson of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church will officiate and burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory Janet may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church 1108 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN 46516, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the charity of one’s choice.

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