Janice Kathleen (Grillo) Torrance

Janice Kathleen Torrance

September 8, 1949-August 10, 2024

Amongst the hundreds and hundreds of people Janice Kathleen Grillo met in her lifetime, most would start out by saying she was aptly named by her late spouse, the Card Whisperer. Love was acknowledged with a card sent for every occasion to let everyone know Jan was thinking about them. But beyond that, she was a beloved wife, dedicated and devoted mother, adored grandmother and fierce protector and caregiver to all those she held in her inner circle….an inner circle that was comprised of more friends than most people can hope for in a lifetime. Not only family and friends, but many other people whom she has crossed paths with in this life are devastated by the loss of such light and sunshine that filled her beautiful smile.

On Saturday August 10, 2024, the Torrance family lost their matriarch after an excruciatingly long battle with cancer. Janice Kathleen Torrance, age 74, left this world peacefully with her family surrounding her with love and gratitude until her final moments.  She is now forever able to hold hands with her husband Wayne after missing him far too long over the last three years.

Janice was born in Sewickley, PA on September 8, 1949 to the late Albert and Susanna Grillo. She was a graduate of Coraopolis High School and Duff’s Business School. On October 17, 1970, she married her sweetheart, Wayne Andrew Torrance, and was an employee of both Dravo and Westinghouse until the birth of her two daughters.  When not abundantly caring for her husband and children, Janice spent her free time in those years enjoying hobbies such as needle point and knitting, bingo, ceramics, taking family vacations to the beach, and hosting parties and epic Labor Day picnics to spend much time with family and friends. She was nicknamed Peachy for her sweet personality, and she spread her joy daily handing out candy to all she ran into during her errands and activities. There was always a bag of Wintergreen mints and Lifesavers in her purse to be handed out freely, just to make people smile.

Janice enjoyed 50 happy years in the company of her loving husband, Wayne, holding hands and taking walks by the river or the local park. She loved hosting holiday events, dancing with their group of friends, going to car cruises and Halloween parties, volunteering with various organizations such as Lions’ Club and Veterans’ groups, and being the Book Lady for local AARP meetings with her funny hats and BOGO sales.

Janice is survived by her daughters, Tammi Hanak (Robert) of Washington, PA, and Kelly Torrance of Katoomba, Australia; her two granddaughters, who lovingly called her Gram, Marissa (Ryan) Burke and Zenn Torrance-Jenkins, and her sister, Susan Litzinger.

She fought cancer with a grace and beauty that all admired….a true warrior trying valiantly to stay with her family as long as she could, despite the cost to her quality of life . A fighter, sassy and full of life, she was an inspiration of what friendship, love, and having a good heart should look like.  Friends will be received on Tuesday August 13 and Wednesday August 14 from 12-8 pm at R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Brodhead Road, Moon Township PA 15108 where a funeral service will be held at 10:30 am to say farewell to this dynamic and beautiful soul who will be so missed.

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