

October 17, 1944 – January 1, 2026
Janice Kay Perzanowski, 81, of Merritt Island, Florida, was lovingly welcomed into the arms of her Savior and promoted to Heaven after passing away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 1, 2026, at Cape Canaveral Hospital. Born in Pyote, Texas, she was the daughter of Douglas and Goldie Pilcher, both of whom preceded her in death. Janice spent most of her life in Indiana before moving to Florida in 2012 to begin a new chapter filled with sunshine, fellowship, and family.
She was married for 58 years to the love of her life, Thomas Perzanowski, who survives her. Together, they built a home centered on faith, compassion, and devotion to their children.
Janice is also survived by her four children, who were the pride of her life: Tonya (Rob) Haywood of Leesburg, IN; Heather (Randy) Stewart of Cocoa, FL; Ryan Perzanowski of Jacksonville, FL; and Mandy (Ryan) Mayfield of Richmond Hill, GA. Her seven cherished grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy, are Elias and John Stewart; Taylor and Mason Haywood; and Stella, Ruby, and Miles Mayfield.
Janice devoted 48 years to education, serving as a teacher, reading specialist, administrator, and lifelong advocate for children. She taught and led programs including kindergarten, Reading Recovery, Early Intervention, Title I, Title IX, and Section 504. Among her many achievements, she was appointed by the Governor to the Advisory Board of Indiana for Adult Literacy and was the recipient of the National Award of Excellence in Education from the C.H.A.D.D. Organization. In addition, she presented at numerous National Conferences on Learning Disabilities. Her influence touched thousands of students over multiple decades, and she was widely respected for her compassion, creativity, and steadfast belief in the potential of every child.
A member of Calvary Chapel in Merritt Island, Janice’s faith guided her throughout her life. She lived with grace, generosity, and quiet strength, often expressing that she was ready to meet her Savior. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now whole and at peace in Heaven.
Janice will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering love for her family, her lifelong devotion to children, and the immeasurable difference she made in the lives of all who knew her. Her work on earth is complete, and she now rests in perfect peace.
For those wishing to honor Janice’s memory, the family welcomes memorial donations to Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry close to her heart. A link to her memorial page is provided below:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/janice-perzanowski-merritt-island-fl/
Friends and family will gather to honor Janice’s life during a visitation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life starting at 2:00 PM at Titus Funeral Home-Syracuse, located at 1001 South Huntington Street, Syracuse, IN 46567. A private burial will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
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