Agnes R. Smith

Smith, Agnes R., “Aggie”, 93, of Richland Township, formerly of East Taylor Township, passed away on October 8, 2011 at Golden Living Center. She was born on May 25, 1918 in Johnstown. Daughter of the late William E. and Agnes (Seitz) Wallace. Preceded in death by her first husband, Nicholas Janak, who was her true love, son, James J. Janak, who filled her heart with pride; brothers, Russell and William; sister, Barbara G. McCusker, and special friend, Francis Richter with whom she shared a love of gardening. Survived by daughter-in-law, Jacquelyn Janak, Richland Township; grandchildren, Mike Janak married to the former Jeannine Shura, Boardman, OH, Cindy Janak, Richland Township and Jim Janak married to the former Amy Riggleman, Palmyra, PA; great grandchildren, Lauren Rose and fiancée Zac Bender, T.J. Rose, Allison and Megan Janak, and Nick and Katie Janak and several nieces and nephews. Aggie was a 1937 graduate of Johnstown High School. She was employed at Kay Artley Sewing Factory and later retired from Lee Hospital’s housekeeping department. Aggie then spent many years helping old friends and meeting new friends at Rick’s Store in Conemaugh. She was an avid bowler and was a member of numerous bowling leagues. Aggie enjoyed taking her grandchildren bowling, teaching gardening, being outdoors, and her pets. She also enjoyed the Pirates, Steelers and Penn State Games and saw many games at Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium. Aggie attended one of the last games of the 1960 regular season when the Pirates went on to beat the Yankees in the 1960 World Series. Her friends and family knew her as a strong and independent, private woman yet had a deep affection for those in her life. Aggie’s family meant the world to her. She held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great niece, Danelle. Her face would light-up the minute they walked into a room with a big smile as she would hold her arms out to welcome a great big grandma hug. In all of the family movies she is on the floor playing with her grandchildren and every picture she has a great-grandchild on her lap or arm around them playing with a toy or looking at a book. Aggie had an honest and caring personality that just made you love her but no one was immune from her quick-witted one liners. Her family would like to thank the staff at Golden Living Center and especially Lynn, at AseraCare Hospice, who was so caring and helpful during Aggie’s final hours. Friends will be received from 3-7 P.M. on Tuesday, where Vigil for the deceased will be held and from 10 A.M. until time of Prayer Service at 11 A.M. on Wednesday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with the Rev. Derek Fairman, St. Benedict Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family suggests that contributions be directed to Autism Society, 4340 East West Hwy, Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814 (http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/donate/) in memory of Aggie.