Mary Louise Janosik of Laurel passed away on April 21, 2024, uniting once again with her husband Johnny Janosik. She was born on June 24, 1931, in Laurel. Mary is known as the matriarch of the Janosik family, an exceptional mother, and a respected community leader.
As many of you may know, Mary and her husband Johnny are the founders of Johnny Janosik World of Furniture with its roots in Laurel and later expanding throughout the state. Mary prided herself on the fact that her success in the business world was built by the returning customer and in doing so she has given back to the community that helped create their business.
Mary was proud to be the first woman CEO of Johnny Janosik World of Furniture, breaking barriers and paving the way for women in leadership roles. She was known for her unwavering dedication to empowering women. Through their hard work and compassion the Janosik name has become synonymous with entrepreneurship as well as philanthropy playing a major role in the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation, the Boys and Girls Club, the Laurel Hope House as well as the Good Samaritan of Laurel just to name a few.
Mary was not just a beloved family member, but also a friend to all, known for her love of her family and friends, her delightful sense of humor, and her incredible stories of days gone by. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of dedication to her family, love for her community, and a legacy of cherished memories. Mary will be dearly missed and is survived by her daughters, Christina Janosik Palmer and Lori Janosik Morrison; son-in-law Barry Morrison; grandchildren, Amy Looney Heffernan and her husband Joel Heffernan, Ross Lugasi and his wife Brittany Lugasi, Sally Lugasi, Casey Christophel, Kevin Christophel, Kariane Christophel, and Alexandra Palmer. Mary is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Ashton Christophel, and Kenley Christophel along with great-grandchildren, Grace and Alana Heffernan, Wren, and Lawson Lugasi.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Johnny Janosik; daughter Linda Janosik Christophel; and siblings, Nathan Hedges, Walter Hedges, Dayton Hedges, Lillian Wooten, Theresa Murray, and Norman Hedges. Services for Mary will be held by Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel. Family visitation will take place on Sunday, April 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street in Laurel. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 523 E. Stein Hwy. in Seaford on Monday, April 29 at 11 a.m. The burial ceremony will be conducted at Odd Fellow Cemetery, Laurel, following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Johnny Janosik Charitable Foundation through the Delaware Community Foundation providing scholarships for deserving students. Mail contributions to DCF, 36 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or using this link: delcf.org/donations/Janosik. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com.
As we say goodbye to Mary, we also celebrate her remarkable journey through life and the countless ways she touched our hearts as we gather to honor her spirit and the profound impact she made on us all. Rest in peace, Mary…You will forever be in our hearts.