Janice R. Mahoney, nee Schutzenhofer, age 79, of Belleville, IL, born on June 18, 1942, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Select Specialty Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
Jan was a consummate artist and painter, and an avid gardener, and was able to combine the two in an amazing way. She attended the O'Fallon-Shiloh School of Art studio beginning in the 1970's. She graciously and willingly shared her passion for art through her own oil paintings and by mentoring artists and students. She genuinely loved other people and was happy when others did well. Her love for art was infectious! She was everyone's cheerleader; she freely gave of her time and her talent and encouraged all students with her pure joy. She was the school's patriarch, and her legacy will live on at the studio.
Jan had a rare and bright presence among us, especially around family and friends. Her grandkids would wait in line for one of grandma's back scratches and anxiously anticipated their outings with her. As a mother, she encouraged all of us without fail and supported us in everything we did.
She was extremely generous, and always maintained a joyous, loving, and grateful perspective, even when she was faced with extreme challenges. She chose to celebrate life instead of getting caught in the grief and pain of the situation she faced at the end of hers. She consistently lifted everyone up even as she faced her life's last battle.
Her beaming smile, and unwavering love of life, family, art and gardening will not come to an end with her death. She cultivated many lifelong friendships and leaves behind countless fans who will certainly continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Mahoney, who died in 1999; her father, Jack Schutzenhofer; her mother, Maudie, nee Pruetzel, Meier Schutzenhofer; her step-father, Julius A. Meier; and her brother, Jack Schutzenhofer.
She is survived by her children, Laura Hayden, Thomas Mahoney, and Kathy Strahm; her grandchildren, Andy, Elizabeth, Kayla, Abby, and Maddy; and her long-time companion, Larry "L Shad" Schaltenbrand.
Memorials may be made to Five Acres Animal Shelter, 1099 Pralle Lane, St. Charles, MO, 63303.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 10:00 AM at the Kassly Mortuary Chapel, Fairview Heights, IL. Interment will held in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
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