Janice Schneider Obituary

Janice Lee Schneider

August 11, 1935 - May 27, 2025

Smithton, Illinois - Janice Lee (nee Jackson) Schneider, 89, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in Smithton, Illinois on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Born in Belleville, Illinois on August 11, 1935, she was the eldest of four children born to Andrew and Hilda Jackson (nee Dammerich).

Janice's early life was marked by both challenge and resilience. Born with congenital torticollis & scoliosis, she faced numerous surgeries and wore a full body cast for extended periods during her childhood, including much of second and seventh grade. These experiences at Shriners Children's Hospital, while difficult, defined her character as a strong and resilient woman. Despite these difficulties, she persevered, attending Henry Raab Grade School and Belleville Township High School. Her musical talents shone as a bugler with the Belletes, Belleville's all-woman drum and bugle corps, which won the state championship in 1953. It was during these formative high school years that she met the love of her life, Frank Schneider.

High school sweethearts, Janice and Frank embarked on a life together that began in Rolla, Missouri, during Frank's army service at Ft. Leonard Wood. Their journey continued to Ft. Belvoir in Virginia, where Janice's resourcefulness led her to a position working for a two-star general. After Frank's military service, they returned to Belleville to raise their five children.

Janice was the heart of her family, creating a warm and loving home. An active member of the St. Mary's Parish Mother's Club, where her children attended school, she was also a dedicated member and past president of the Belleville Jayceettes. Balancing family life with her professional pursuits over the years, Janice worked full and part-time in administrative work, bookkeeping, and sales at Schmale Insurance, Lyman Weisenstein Architects, Meyer Brothers Auto Company, and lastly Lerner's women's clothing store in downtown Belleville. Always very stylish, her job at Lerner's was her favorite, enabling her to have first choice on all the latest fashions.

Throughout their lives together, Janice and Frank shared a passion for the outdoors, enjoying camping in the big blue tent and boating adventures with all 5 children at Kentucky Lake and later their cherished clubhouse along the Illinois River. They eventually realized their dream of retiring on Lake Barkley in Kentucky, where they enjoyed their golden years before returning to Illinois.

Beyond her dedication to family and work, Janice embraced an array of hobbies. She found joy in cooking and crafting, particularly crocheting, as well as bowling, playing cards with her ladies' club, spending time with their lifelong friends in their eating out bunch, and attending Frank's kittenball and softball games, meticulously keeping score. She was a devoted birdwatcher, with a particular fondness for hummingbirds and cardinals.

Her scoliosis worsened over the years and slowed her down, but it didn't keep her down. She enjoyed a beautiful day at this year's Art on the Square, with her daughters and grand-daughter, and got to enjoy her favorite activity, shopping, purchasing a beautiful glass paperweight.

Janice is survived by her loving children: Sharrol Toenjes (Anthony), Steven Schneider, Scott Schneider, Frank Schneider (Christine), and Laura Trapp (William); her cherished grandchildren: Jason Schneider (Rachael), Stephanie Bergmann (Willie), Paul Toenjes (Kara), Libby Ganz (Brandon), Grant Schneider, Rob Trapp, Luke Trapp (Brently Brown), and Amber Blissenbach; and her adored great-grandchildren: Jack and Adam Schneider, Will and Violet Bergmann, Vivian and Charlotte Toenjes, and Drew and Brent Schneider. She also leaves behind her brother, Jay Jackson (Jean); in-laws Ralph Schneider (Toni), Kenneth Schneider, Janet Schneider, and Elaine Ortmann; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Frank E. Schneider, as well as her parents, Andrew and Hilda Jackson; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank H. Schneider and Cecelia "Ann" Schneider-Drennan; stepfather-in-law, Martin Drennan; sisters, Joyce Tiemann and Jean Thouvenot; and several in-laws.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers from Heartland Hospice, especially Nurse Stephanie and Jamie, for their compassionate care and support.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 4:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A funeral service for Janice will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL with final interment following at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital St. Louis or Heartland Hospice.