Violette M. Janofsky

Violette “Vi” Mehl Janofsky passed away peacefully January 8th, 2025. She was

93 years old. Violette was born to Alexander and Violet Main in Buffalo, New

York. Violette was the beloved wife of Dr. George R. Janofsky; the cherished mother of Jody (Daniel) Kelley, Leslie (Timothy) Wade, David (Jennifer) Mehl; mother-in-law of Laura Mehl. She was predeceased by her first husband Dr. Edward Mehl, her son Sandy (Laura) Mehl and sister Jessie (George) Longley. She was the beloved stepmother to George A. Janofsky (Charles Ciali), Rosemary Janofsky, Janet (Mark) McClean, Mark (Caroline) Janofsky and the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Violette graduated from Lafayette High School in 1949. In 1954 she married Dr. Edward Mehl and the couple spent two years in Germany while Dr. Mehl served as a U.S. Army Optometrist in a military hospital. Jody, their first child was born in Germany. In 1956, the Mehl’s purchased 411 Main St. in East Aurora where they resided and Dr. Mehl established the offices of Aurora Optometric. Violette earned a bachelors degree in history and education and continued her education earning a master’s degree in secondary education from the University at Buffalo. She taught social studies at East Aurora Middle School from 1973-78 and tutored

students in reading for many years with the East Aurora Educational Associates.

Dr. Mehl passed away in East Aurora in 1984. In 1992, Violette married Dr. George R. Janofsky who had become a partner in Aurora Optometric. Dr. and Mrs. Janofsky shared 32 years of love and happiness in their East Aurora home. Dedicated to family and community they created a loving blended Mehl/Janofsky family. They loved to travel and entertain. They enjoyed the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and socializing with the Beefeaters Dinner Group and the Investment Club. Both were longstanding members of Nativity Lutheran Church in East Aurora. Most of all they appreciated their good fortune in having come together after the loss of their spouses.

A true Renaissance woman, Violette loved classical music and piano and was also a fine artist and seamstress. She was a dedicated and awarded gardener and a member of the East Aurora Garden Club. She loved hosting dinners and being surrounded by family and friends and was always up for a good conversation. She and her first husband were long time members of the Stizmarker Ski Club with their dear friends the Sheds. They also enjoyed golf and were members of the East Aurora Country Club.

The family celebrated Violette’s 91st birthday by creating a “Memory Jar” by writing a few thoughts that captured the essence of their mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and stepmother. These sentiments were placed in a glass jar for her to keep close at hand. Invariably, the themes her family members chose had to do with love, strength, wisdom, loyalty, constancy, intelligence, sense of humor, and generosity. These tributes will be read at her service as a testament to what a remarkable woman she was.

A service will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church, 970 E. Main St., East Aurora

N.Y. on Saturday, January 18th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that

memorial gifts be made to FISH of East Aurora (a food pantry and clothing

distribution center that serves several towns in Western New York) or Hospice

and Palliative Care of Buffalo.