Janet M. Lilly

Janet Lilly, 85 of Monroeville, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. She was born March 1, 1941 in Conneautville, daughter of the late George and Gertrude (Rohsner) Meissner. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by siblings, Mary (Bud) Sieffert, George "Skip"(Mary Elizabeth and MaryAnn) Meissner Jr., Dolores (Albert) Vendel, Gertrude (Richard) Christie, James Meissner.

The three things most precious to Mom were her love of family, her faith in the Lord, and her devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Like her parents before her, Mom cherished the importance of family and carried on the traditions that kept us connected. She faithfully kept our family reunions going, always arriving first and leaving last. She knew every family member’s birthday and made it a point to wish each one a happy birthday, while encouraging all of us to do the same. Whenever someone in the family was struggling or in need, she was often the one organizing prayers and bringing everyone together in support.

Her faith was woven into every part of her life. Just as she was always the first to arrive and the last to leave at family gatherings, she approached Mass with the same devotion. She became a Eucharistic Minister and generously gave her time and talents to her church community (St. Bernadette). She participated in numerous fundraisers and ministries, including the Athletic Association and the Comfort Quilt Community, always finding another way to serve others.

Mom had a wonderful creative spirit. She loved crafting and took great joy in making ornaments, wreaths, and beautiful centerpieces. Music was another great love of hers. She loved to sing and play, and she especially enjoyed playing the organ, following in her mother’s footsteps. She even taught herself to play the guitar. She was also an exceptional cook and baker, and her home was often filled with the warmth and comfort of something she had lovingly prepared for her family.

Like her parents, Mom possessed a selfless love that seemed to have no limits. Her generosity extended far beyond her immediate family to anyone who needed a place to stay, a helping hand, or simply someone who cared. Over the years, she opened her home to numerous friends and family members. She babysat, “lady-sat,” and was always willing to make room for someone in need. Her desire to help others led her to learn American Sign Language so that she could communicate with deaf individuals both at her place of work and at church. She worked as an administrative assistant to many doctors throughout the years, served as a Brownie troop leader and Girl Scout troop leader, and worked in fundraising at WQED. Yet through all of these responsibilities, she somehow found the time and energy to raise five children.

And she did it all with love.

Our home was filled with love, home-cooked meals, music, laughter, crafts, and the constant activity that came with five children and all of our extracurricular activities. No matter how busy life became, Mom never missed an event. She was always there cheering us on, supporting us, praying for us, and making sure we knew we were loved.

Mom was the heart of our family; the rock and the center that held us together. Her faith, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love shaped all of us and touched countless lives beyond our family. She was, and will always be, an extraordinary example of Christian love and selflessness. Her legacy is not simply in all that she accomplished, but in the love she gave so freely and in the lives she made better simply by being there.

Her love was endless. And we will carry that love with us always.

Janet was the beloved wife of James F. Lilly of 63 years; loving mother of James F. Lilly Jr., Joanie Lilly, Jill (Anthony) Fischetti, Julie (Thomas) Kinlough, John "Jack" (Dawn) Lilly; loving and proud grandmother to Jessica (Jonathan) Patterson, Krista (Rocky) Barone, Kelly (Ryan Flora) Fischetti, Leah (Aaron Sukay) Fischetti, Kylie Kinlough, Dylan Kinlough, Kaycee Kinlough, Devon (Anna) Henderson, Jacqueline Lilly, Douglas Lilly, Jonathan Lilly; great grandmother to Jayci, Giada, Anthony, Mason, Roman, Luca, Mason, Brody, Kayliana, Kamaya. She is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Baran, Dorothy "Dot" (Cliff) Wallace, a brother, John "Jack" (Jan) Meissner, sisters-in-law, Kathy Meissner, and Carin Meissner.

Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8pm Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. (MONROEVILLE/PLUM CHAPEL) 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville (412-856-4747). A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St. Bernadette Church-Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish. Interment to follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernadette Church, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146.