Yakima, WA - In Loving Memory

A Tribute to a Life Well Lived

It is with deep sorrow that my beloved wife Janice Gardner passed away peacefully on Sunday the 20th of July 2025. I will always be eternally grateful for Janice's presence in my life. I ask all of those that were part of her life to reflect and cherish the time that was spent with her. An obituary is more than a record of death it is tribute to the remembrance of the loved ones in our lives. As our family gathers to mourn her passing, we shall not only celebrate the end of her pain but also the beauty of a life well lived.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"

Early Years

Janice was born into a world bustling with possibility, yet her early years were difficult. Eventually, Frank Paparazzo came into her mother's life and adopted Janice, her sister Suzanne and their love produced another sibling, Dee. Together Julie and Frank helped to build the bonds of family and faith that would later characterize their children's approach to life. Childhood, often a mosaic of simple pleasures and formative challenges, shaped the foundation upon which their remarkable family's character was built. Those early days were filled with laughter, the forging of friendships that would endure a lifetime, and the first glimpses of talents and passions that would define much of their children's future.

Family played an integral role, instilling values of kindness, diligence, and integrity. Whether learning at the knee of a wise elder or discovering the world's mysteries in the company of siblings, these formative memories were cherished and recounted over the years as reminders of both humble beginnings and familial love.

Family and Friendship

At the core of Janice's existence, though she had difficulty expressing, was an unwavering love for family and friends. There was never a shortage of laughter when Janice would bring out her zany presents at Christmas time. For Janice every birthday, anniversary, milestone or moment, whether ordinary or extraordinary, was an opportunity to send a card or gift. To friends, Janice was a confidant and a source of inspiration. To family, a pillar of strength, a wellspring of affection, and sometimes just the wacky aunt with lots of animals.

Passions and Interests

Early in life Janice had an interest in gymnastics and wanted to be a member of the US national gymnastics team. Though her aspirations never came to fruition Frank and Julie were always there to support and encourage her. At a young age Janice also developed an interest in horses and never let go of the love she had developed for her horse friends. She was involved in horse racing for a short time as an owner; Team Penning on the rodeo circuit; and later in life she became involved with Dressage and eventually trail riding. Which led to glamping with the horses and spending time riding on the Oregon coast and sections of the Pacific Crest trail in Washington with her sister Dee, her best friend Jenna, Linda, LeAnn, Fin or Paula. As her health began to fail, she rescued an emaciated horse from an auction and nursed her back to health, eventually the horse ended up competing in technical trail competitions with a friend's son in the saddle and now is living its best life as a training horse for new riders.

Character and Values

Above all, Janice should be remembered for her unwavering integrity, generosity, and capacity for empathy. Sometimes to her demise she believed in the inherent goodness of people and strove always to see the best in others. Challenges, though many, were met with quiet fortitude and a steadfast optimism that inspired and sometimes frustrated those close to her for not letting them know everything about the struggles she was facing with her declining health. My wife was truly the strongest person I have ever met, in moments of adversity, Janice showed a resilience that came not from pride, but from a deep-seated belief in hope, compassion, and her renewed faith in God. Janice was usually quiet and reserved, this was her way of helping those she cared about by not talking about the cross that she bore.

Legacy

As we say farewell, we are reminded that the measure of a life lies not in its duration, but in its depth. The legacy of Janice extends far beyond achievements or accolades; it is found in the countless lives touched, and the love freely given.

Though absence now brings sorrow, we are comforted by the memories we hold, the lessons we have learned, and the knowledge that the values lived out so authentically will continue to guide and inspire us. In every act of kindness, in every joyful gathering, and in the quiet moments of reflection, Janice's spirit will endure.

Survived by / Preceded in death

Janice is survived by Kevin Gardner, her husband; Dee and Mark Evans, her sister and brother-in-law; Alex and Andrew Evans, her nephews; Corrina Garnier, her niece; Kim Blake her sister-in-law; Ashlee and Amber Blake, her Nieces along with many other cousins.

Janice was preceded in death by her father Frank Paparazzo; Jim Blake her brother; Suzanne Garnier her sister and a special cousin that deserves mention Ronald Patnode, AKA Father Ronny. Father Ronny was part of her sister Suzannes's celebration of life and later gave Janice a rosary from the Vatican that was blessed by Pope Francis. His actions taught me that even the smallest acts of kindness can work miracles, that small token helped fuel her renewed faith in God. Hopefully he was present when Janice and her mother Julie, who passed on July 22nd, 2025, were welcomed into the kingdom of God.

Celebration of life

An informal celebration of life for Janice and her mother will be held on Tuesday the 2nd of September 2025, with a start time of 2:00 PM.

Doodle Vines Winery and Event Center

2410 Naches Heights Rd.

Yakima, WA 98908

Memories and condolences can also be shared at brooksidefuneral.com

Final Farewell

To mourn is to love, and to remember is to honor. As we celebrate the life and legacy of Janice, let us not only grieve her absence but also rejoice in the privilege of having known her. Let us share stories, laughter, and tears, knowing that these are the threads that bind us together and keep her memory alive.

"Before we go our separate ways, let us take leave of our sister. May our farewell express our affection for Janice; may it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope. One day we shall joyfully greet Janice again when the love of Christ, which conquers all things, destroys even death itself."

Rest in peace my love.