Janice L. Mahnich

Janice Lee Mahnich, 72 years old, of Lake Villa, IL, passed away November 19, 2025, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. She was born June 24, 1953 in Trieste, Italy to George and Phyllis Wallace.

Jan is survived by her husband of 47 years, Jim, their 3 children Jackie (Zach) Spencer, James Mahnich Jr. (Cassie), Jenny Cornejo, and grandchildren Emma (Mike), Ella, Ethan (Myella) Spencer, Joseph, Mavis, Ivy Mahnich, and her sister Judy Eckert. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Joanne and Joyce, and her brother David.

Jan and Jim started their journey together while they both worked for Outboard Marine Corporation. Jan transitioned her career and retired after 38 years from AbbVie after the spinoff from Abbott in 2024. During this time, she graduated from DeVry University with a Master’s degree in finance. She inspired her coworkers with her problem-solving abilities and making associates feel included by ensuring they had everything needed to do their jobs. Jan led with kindness and was always willing to help. She was the perfect role model, continually pursuing achievements at work and in life was her motivation.

Jan became a member of Cornerstone Church during her final hospital stay; this brought her comfort. She was an active member and past president of the Emblem Club of Waukegan, a chapter of WIIM. She enjoyed participating in their state conventions and treasured all the traveling to and from. Trips to Maine, where her family originated from, and South Carolina with family members always brought her great joy. Her sister Judy was her trusty travel companion. They did everything together from visiting old friends, going to concerts, card games and touring wineries. No matter where they went, they ended their day with a glass of wine. Family was most important to her. Jan carried on her mother’s tradition through hosting holidays with family at her home throughout the year. Everyone was always welcome and treated like family, this remained true even after the party was over. However, the trip to the local Hallmark store for those “special” ornaments was always a big deal. She could not resist buying ornaments and decorations but never knew where to put them, that’s where Jim played an important role. They loved each other and were the perfect team to secure their family’s success.

Jan survived over 40 years of different forms of cancer. This last battle started 6 years ago. She was determined to not give up, and fought each one as they were diagnosed and treated. Jan continually described herself as a “professional patient.” Her doctor described her as a “real fighter” and “the longest surviving patient that she had treated.” Jan was true to her nickname of “Janimal.”

A visitation and funeral service are scheduled for Friday November 28, 2025 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 10:00am until 1:00pm with the funeral service commencing at 1:00pm. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Fischer House, Cornerstone Church or the American Cancer Society. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.