Susan Elizabeth Janca

April 24, 1956 – August 5, 2025

Susan Janca, a life-long resident of the western suburbs of Chicago, passed away on Tuesday, August 5 after a brief illness.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles (in 1975) and Joanna Griffin Janca (in 1997).

Susan grew up in Stickney and enjoyed participating in Girl Scouts, riding her bicycle, and caring for her pets.  As a teen, she learned to hook rugs, crochet and do needlework; she generously used these skills to make wall hangings, afghans, scarves and hats for everyone she knew.   Her boisterous, dynamic and energetic personality could fill a room.   Raised a Catholic, Susan loved to participate in weekly Sunday Mass and sing along with the choir.

As a person with special needs, Susan left high school in 1973 to enter the vocational day program of Subcon Industries, which later became known as Helping Hand Center in Countryside.  In 1984, she was an original resident of Helping Hand’s CILA home at the former St. Blase convent in Summit until its closing; she then lived in several other Helping Hand-sponsored residences until 2017.  Throughout this time, Susan worked both in their on-site and later in community-based job training at Taco Bell and Old Country Buffet, and participated in their Adult Day Program.  She enjoyed traveling to Florida, Wisconsin, Camp Seguin, Italy and Texas, going on local outings and spending holidays with her family.  Above all else, she enthusiastically competed in several Special Olympics sports, including track & field, bowling, swimming and basketball, and received over 100 medals which she proudly displayed.

Due to her declining health, Susan moved to a care facility in November 2017 and came to Aperion Care West Chicago the following May.  She is survived by her older sister Mary (Daniel) Sanchez, their children and grandchildren; cousins Deborah Griffin Brown (Vern) and their children; Roger Brinker and children and grandchildren; and Marlene Griffin Walker.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Divine Savior Catholic Church, 6700 Main St, Downers Grove, IL on August 19 at 10 am, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home 630-964-6500