Janice Maree Vondrak

Janice MaRee Vondrak passed away on January 23, 2019 in Santa Rosa at the age of 88. She was born December 19, 1930 in Le Mars, Iowa to Joseph Napoleon Lamoureux and Mary Edna Dalgliesh. Devoted wife of the late Floyd Vondrak. Cherished mother of Randy Vondrak (Diane), Leigh Vondrak (Diana), Tim Vondrak (Margie), Lori Chapman (Mark), Terry Vondrak (Julie), Lisa Wyrsch (Tom), Alan Vondrak (Sherrilyn), Kenn Vondrak (Christina), and the late Baby Boy Vondrak. Adored grandmother of twenty-seven and great-grandmother of nineteen. Loving sister of Luene Petersen (Tony) and Beverly Bytnar; preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters; sister-in-law of Florence Schroeder, Betty Lamoureux, Jeune Vondrak, Joan Vondrak and Phil Vondrak. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Janice was born and raised in Iowa. She met Floyd, the love of her life at a dance social, they married on April 20, 1949 and enjoyed 49 years of marriage. In 1955, they moved west and settled in Penngrove. She became an active member of St. Joseph’s Church in Cotati, participating in their Woman’s Guild, singing in the choir, and teaching catechism. She was a member of the Petaluma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a service-oriented social sorority that resulted in life-long friendships. After Floyd’s passing in 1998, Janice became a member of St. James Church in Petaluma. Influenced by the Great Depression, Janice became gifted in the art of home economics -- making much out of little, and wasting nothing. Her freezer was regularly packed with peeled apples and wild blackberries, and her cupboards filled with canned pears, canned tomatoes, and plum jam. She was a skilled baker known for her cinnamon rolls and pies. Above all, Janice dedicated her life to her family. She loved babies, especially her grandchildren, many of whom she helped care for. She was generous, giving, compassionate and caring, with an open door policy for all. She had an industrious work ethic and an unwavering moral compass rooted in her faith.

Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy., Petaluma.  A Visitation will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma.  Memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Petaluma.