WAUWATOSA - Janice Theresa Saffran, age 80, of Wauwatosa, Wis., passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025. She was born on March 31, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Charlie and Hilda (Sederholm) Jablonski.

Janice is survived by her daughter, Tracy (Curtis) La Haise; nephew, Nicholas Zimmer; several other nieces and nephews; and her extended family in Ashland County, Wis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilda and Charlie; sisters, Jacqueline Mayhew and Judith Vigani; and brother, Donald Jablonski.

Janice graduated from Menomonee Falls High School. She worked as a bookkeeper, administrative assistant, homemaker, wife and mother. As an adult student, Janice studied nutrition and elder care at Cardinal Stritch and Alverno colleges, graduating with degrees in Dietetics and the Sociology of Aging. Following graduation, Janice worked as a dietician at senior care communities.

Janice remained busy in her retirement, working in several retail positions, most recently at Shady Lane Greenhouses, Inc. in Menomonee Falls, Wis. She loved Shady Lane, due to the kindness shown by the Hornung family and the opportunity to work among beautiful flowers.

Janice enjoyed cooking, reading science fiction, watching PBS, rocks and minerals, gardening, and caring for her home and yard. She loved animals, especially goats and dogs. Her childhood dogs and her daughter’s dog Skipper (AKA ”Hermie”) brought her much joy.

Proud of her Finnish heritage, Janice lived her life with the quiet dignity, courage, determination, and resilience of a sisukas suomalainen. With sisu, she overcame colon and breast cancer.

Janice loved northern Wisconsin’s Ashland County, the Lake Superior shore, and Little Girl's Point Beach, near Ironwood, Mich. At Janice's request, no memorial or service will be held. Her ashes will be put to rest overlooking Lake Superior.

Her daughter wishes to thank Janice’s friend, Ann Taveirne; her employer, Heidi Hornung; and the nurses of Agrace Hospice-Wauwatosa. In lieu of flowers, dedication contributions made to Elmbrook Humane Society in Brookfield, Wis., (https://ebhs.org/donate-form/), will be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Janice Saffran

March 31, 1944 - March 03, 2025

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