Janice D. Cabassa's Obituary
Janice D. (Murari) Cabassa — or “Nana” to those who loved her most — passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her children, on March 9, 2026.
Janice was born November 17, 1936, to John and Victoria (Muntean) Murari. She was preceded in death by her siblings Howard, Eugene, John Gerald, and Virginia Szasz.
On January 14, 1956, Janice married the love of her life, Louis A.“Papa” Cabassa. Together they shared 68 years of marriage before his passing on November 8, 2024. Their enduring love and partnership were an example to all who knew them, and their family finds comfort in knowing Janice and Louie are together once again.
Janice graduated from Alliance High School in 1954 and remained proud of her roots in Alliance, Ohio. She was a faithful member of Regina Coeli Parish, where her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.
Above all else, Janice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her five children: Steven (Pam) Cabassa, Michael (Irene) Cabassa, John Cabassa, Debra (David) Piero, and Patty (Jeff) Walker. She also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren, Kristan (Bill) Preston, Kelly (Sean) Finelli, Steven (Holly) Cabassa, David (Laura) Piero, Mikey Cabassa, Daniel Piero, Jake Walker, Crystal (Robbie) Thompson, Alan-Michael Cabassa, John Cabassa, Jr., Alec (Melissa) Walker, Missy (Brian) McDermitt, Josh Leask, Angela (Jeff) Prato, Candace Sinkovich; and several great-grandchildren.
Her legacy is as pure and true as she was herself and reflects perhaps the most important thing in life: love. As the matriarch of the family, Nana taught the simplest and most meaningful lessons about caring for others. Her home was always a place of comfort, warmth, and support. You would never catch her unprepared for an ice cream sundae, without a dish of chocolate or vanilla wafers nearby, or without a cozy couch and blanket for anyone who needed to rest. No request was ever too much when it came to caring for those she loved. Family holidays were especially meaningful to Janice, bringing everyone together and creating traditions and memories that will live on for generations.
Janice leaves this world as she lived in it—surrounded by incredible love and appreciation for the kindness she showed to everyone she met. The sweetness and love of Nana, together with the wit, pragmatism, and steady support of Papa, will live on through the generations of the family they built.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at Regina Coeli Catholic Church, with Rev. Bob England as celebrant. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Crossroads Charitable Foundation, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Suite E, Green, OH 44685.
You are invited to view Janice's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at https://www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.
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