Janel came into this world a lucky girl. She was born in Morton, Illinois on October 30, 1971, a day shy of her soon-to-be favorite holiday, to Judy and Jim Meehan. Jim, a father who made her laugh each time they talked, even if she rolled her eyes at his gift for storytelling and his ability to never know a stranger, and Judy, a mother who quietly supported not only Janel, but all three of her children - encouraging them to follow their dreams, starting with the best education they could get. She taught Janel the love of reading, learning, and essentially her obsession of libraries and the world they opened. And these two parents together gave Janel the foundation for what family meant, as she was the baby sister to Jamie Meehan and Jodene Acierno. Jamie, a brother whom she felt a special kinship and adoration, another wickedly smart Meehan man who made her laugh and who listened; and Jodene, a sister whom she followed to Northwestern University, who taught her to roll sushi, whom she called when times got dark, especially in these past few years.  This family grew to include nieces and nephews whom she loved to brag about - Erica, Milena, Neil, Dominick, and Siena. And, of course, her brother-and-sister in-laws, Mark and Gina. They completed this family, the family who spent countless trips and holidays together, laughing, loving - and listening to music while cooking in the kitchen or around the grill.

But to know Janel, a girl with blonde curls, blue eyes, and a toothy grin, you need to know her passions and appreciate the relationship she had with Jeromee, the person who gave her room to grow and become the woman she wanted and needed to be. The woman who taught little ones to speak well even before she had her own children, who cared for severely autistic kids three times her size, giving them love and dignity. The woman who walked everywhere she could, who tried yoga and meditation in college before it became trendy and who found peace in Buddhist teachings as she came to terms with the ending of her life. The woman who loved lays potato chips and a Pepsi, raw cookie dough, Wrigley Field, Michigan lakeshores, and books - oh, so many books. And the woman who was willing to try anything - including a cross-country trip in the back of a Nissan Pathfinder for two months, camping under the stars- the trip that solidified that these two - Jeromee and Janel - were meant for one another as adults, not just high school sweethearts.

And with Jeromee came his whole Hermann crew -  Gene & Julie Hermann, along with their kids, Abby, Emily, and Josh - a second family who welcomed Janel into their life from the time she was just a teenager. And that side of the family grew more with the addition of in-laws Dave and Brooke, and nieces and nephews Zane, Izzy, Jack, and Evie over the years. A family that would help build Janel and Jeromee's dream home, twice, in Washington, Illinois.

However, Jeromee, the baseball pitcher who adored his bookworm, was not the only one she loved fiercely. Janel's life centered around the family these two created together - their four, incredible daughters. Josie, the first, changed her life. She was the one who made this independent, free-spirited woman, a mother. She now had a new little girl to put ahead of herself and that she did, again and again. And she soon learned this would be her superpower. From 2000 on, Janel was the proudest, most loving, supportive mother on earth. No doubt these girls have turned out as they have with her behind them. Josie, a newly minted physician assistant working in pediatric surgery and Jory, a kindergarten teacher, each got their mom's knack to love and support children through their patient and empathetic nature. Jess, the observer of others, like her mom, has a calm presence and special insight into the world around her. And Jayne, the baby, the one Janel worried about the most - because, well, she's the baby. Janel only wished to get her on her feet before she departed this world. But the one thing Janel forgot is that she already gave Jayne all that she needed to succeed long ago -confidence in herself, unconditional love, and three other sisters to call on whenever she needed them. The six of them - Jeromee, Janel, Josie, Jory, Jess, and Jayne -were and will always be a perfect unit - and Iowa Hawkeyes fans whose favorite place in the world was anywhere they were together, whether that was the beach in Frankfort, Michigan or around the kitchen counter at their home, listening to music or laughing while telling stories.

But because Janel was selfless and authentic, she found soulmates wherever she went in life. In kindergarten, in junior high, in a college roommate, and beyond, many of whose husbands & kids became part of her closest orbit of people. Even neighbors whom she could ask for a cup of sugar, a piece of advice about motherhood, or a good cry when needed. Janel's desire to laugh, her genuine interest in people - both those close to her and those in the world at large - made her a touchstone for all of us who were blessed enough to call her our chosen family.

And of course we can never forget Jake, Joey, or even Willie - her four-legged loves, who like any baby or dog that she encountered could sense her nurturing, positive energy.

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Janel went on to her next adventure in profound peace, having lived with and for the people she loved most in this world. There is no doubt she is watching over all of these folks right now. She will be with each of her daughters throughout their lives and standing beside Jeromee, not only in his memories, but in his constant present moment, from a place we have yet to understand, but one she has no doubt discovered. We love you, Janel, more than you'll ever know.

We were and are the true lucky ones to have known you and to have had you in our lives. You are with us, always.

-authored by the college roommate

A visitation will be held from 4pm - 7pm, Friday, June 5, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:30am at Connect Church in Washington. Pastor Dave Jane will be officiating. A celebration of life reception will follow at Connect. Please wear bright color's to Janel's memorial events in her memory. Memorial donations may be made to the Illinois CancerCare Foundation, OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, OSF Cancer Institute BTC for Research, or the Washington District Library to support the summer reading program.